Nepal's Gandaki Province Legalises Medical Cannabis Cultivation Despite National Ban

Nepal's Gandaki Province has become the first region in the country to legalise the cultivation and medical use of cannabis despite a nationwide ban. Farmers must obtain government approval and comply with strict monitoring requirements. The move revives long-standing debate over cannabis reform in Nepal, where the plant has deep cultural roots but has remained illegal since the late 1970s.

Nepal's Gandaki Province has officially begun implementing a controversial law allowing the cultivation and medical use of cannabis, becoming the first province in the country to adopt such legislation despite a nationwide prohibition.
The law took effect on Monday after receiving formal approval from the provincial government, marking a significant shift in Nepal's approach to cannabis regulation.
Under the new framework, farmers wishing to grow cannabis for medicinal purposes must first obtain government approval and will remain under strict regulatory supervision.
Provincial authorities say cultivation will be closely monitored to prevent illegal production and trafficking.

FIRST OF ITS KIND IN NEPAL

According to local media, lawmakers from both the governing coalition and opposition parties unanimously approved the legislation in the Gandaki Provincial Assembly.
The move makes Gandaki the first province in Nepal to establish a legal framework for medical cannabis despite national laws that continue to prohibit its cultivation, possession and sale.
Officials argue the policy could create new economic opportunities while supporting medical research and pharmaceutical development.

NATIONAL LAW REMAINS UNCHANGED

Although Gandaki's legislation has taken effect, Nepal's national criminal laws remain in force.
Under existing national legislation, possession of cannabis for personal use can result in imprisonment, while cultivating or selling larger quantities remains punishable by lengthy prison sentences depending on the amount involved.
The apparent legal contradiction is expected to fuel debate over whether Nepal's federal government should modernise its national drug laws.

LONG CAMPAIGN FOR LEGALISATION

Cannabis has deep historical and cultural roots in Nepal.
For centuries, the plant has been associated with Hindu religious traditions and continues to be consumed during festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Nepal was also internationally known during the 1960s and early 1970s as a destination for travellers attracted by its relaxed cannabis laws.
However, the country banned marijuana in the late 1970s after joining international anti-narcotics agreements and closed many of the cannabis shops that had operated openly in Kathmandu.
In recent years, activists, medical professionals and some lawmakers have renewed calls for legalisation, arguing that regulated cultivation could generate employment, tax revenue and export opportunities while reducing illegal trafficking.

GLOBAL TREND TOWARDS MEDICAL CANNABIS

Gandaki's decision reflects a broader international trend.
Several countries, including Canada, Germany, Thailand and numerous US states, have introduced legal frameworks allowing cannabis for medical purposes, while some have also legalised recreational use.
Supporters argue that regulated cannabis can benefit patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer-related symptoms and other serious medical conditions.
Critics, however, continue to warn about potential misuse and argue that strong regulation will be essential to prevent diversion into illegal markets.
The implementation of Gandaki's law is therefore expected to be closely watched by policymakers across Nepal as debate over nationwide cannabis reform continues.