Regulations to be formed on marijuana cultivation: DPM Lamichhane

KATHMANDU, JUNE 7: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane pledged to devise regulations at the earliest to expedite feasibility studies and research on the prospects of cultivating marijuana for medical use. At today’s meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources, DPM Lamichhane shared that adequate discussions were held on this issue and there were no doubts regarding it. The meeting was convened to discuss the commercial cultivation of marijuana for medicinal purposes, an issue that has been included in the newly unveiled budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25.

He reiterated, “We are formulating necessary regulations at the earliest to conduct studies and research on cultivating marijuana for medicinal and commercial use.” He explained that a study committee would be formed within a month to study marijuana in a multifaceted way, assuring to take into account the social context and monitoring aspects while devising regulations about commercial production of marijuana.

DPM Lamichhane reaffirmed that those abusing narcotic drugs and involved in smuggling similar illegal substances would not be exempted from legal actions. Further study into this aspect was underway, he informed. He added, “Some people are serving time in jail due to ignorance of legal knowledge. Some are involved in the abuse of narcotic drugs and its smuggling. We are deeply studying this.”

Committee President Dr. Arzoo Rana Deuba welcomed DPM Lamichhane’s commitment and said that the Committee provided time to devise regulations by mid-August. “If the Ministry of Home Affairs fails to accelerate work towards this, the Committee will form a sub-committee,” she cautioned.