Experts suggest erasure of bottlenecks for marijuana cultivation

KATHMANDU: After the government announced that it would make legal arrangements for the cultivation of marijuana, policymakers and researchers have suggested clearing the bottlenecks first. Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dipak Kumar Kharal, said the Narcotic Drug Control Act, 2033, must be amended to facilitate marijuana farming. "Legal hurdles need to be erased for it. A board can be formed, and fallow land utilized for marijuana farming," he suggested.He was presenting his views at the meeting of the parliamentary committee on agriculture, cooperatives, and natural resources under the House of Representatives on Friday.

Similarly, Director General at the Ayurved and Alternative Medicine Department of the Health Ministry, Dr. Pradip KC, informed that several studies on marijuana have been conducted in the ayurvedic field. He explained the medicinal value of the plant.Researcher at Kathmandu University, Prof. Dr. Panna Thapa, stated that Nepal is home to various types of marijuana. The government should allow scientific research on it, he said, adding that studies so far have indicated that marijuana could alleviate pain, epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and cancer, among other conditions.He also mentioned that garments and cosmetics could be made from marijuana. However, he emphasized the need to produce it in line with international standards and create jobs for farmers.

Dr. Ananta Adhikari from the Mental Hospital noted that although marijuana has medicinal value, it is equally essential to remain aware of its negative impact.In a recent budget announcement, Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun stated that the government would make legal arrangements for the commercial farming of marijuana.

The Finance Minister had carried the budget document in a marijuana-made bag, signaling that commercial farming of the plant could be considered.During the meeting, Secretary at the Home Ministry, Eknarayan Aryal, informed that a study was being conducted on the types of marijuana being planted in different places across the country. A report on this will be released soon, he added.Former minister Sher Bahadur Tamang argued that the commercial farming of marijuana should be farmer-focused. "Farmers themselves should be encouraged to participate, not others or corporations," he insisted, adding that it would contribute to the national economy.