Nepal's Supreme Court has ordered the government to develop regulations for cannabis cultivation and production within three months, marking a potential shift in the Himalayan nation's drug policy nearly five decades after criminalizing the plant.
The court's directive specifically covers medical, scientific, and industrial cannabis applications. But legal observers say the ruling could pave the way for broader adult-use reforms in a country that was once a destination for cannabis tourism before the 1976 ban.
Nepal prohibited cannabis cultivation and sale 48 years ago under pressure from international drug control treaties. The move ended a centuries-old tradition of legal cannabis use in the Hindu-majority nation, where the plant holds religious significance, particularly in Shaivism.
The Legal Framework
The Supreme Court gave officials until early 2025 to establish clear rules governing who can grow cannabis, under what conditions, and for which specific purposes. The three-month deadline puts pressure on Nepal's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate on licensing, quality control, and distribution systems.
Nepal's cannabis history differs sharply from Western markets. Before 1976, government-licensed shops sold hashish openly, particularly in Kathmandu's Freak Street district. The area drew international travelers during the 1960s and early 1970s, contributing to Nepal's tourism economy.
Regional Context
The court order comes as several Asian nations reconsider cannabis policies. Thailand legalized cannabis in 2022, though its government is now attempting to reimpose restrictions. Israel has maintained a medical cannabis program since the 1990s and exports products globally.
Nepal's potential re-entry into legal cannabis could leverage its geographic advantages. The country's climate supports outdoor cultivation, and its historical expertise in hashish production remains within living memory among older farmers.
What's Next
The immediate focus is medical and industrial hemp applications. Nepal's government must now draft regulations covering everything from seed-to-sale tracking to THC limits for industrial hemp products. Whether officials will address recreational use in this initial framework is unclear.
Industry analysts point out that Nepal lacks the infrastructure other countries built over years of medical programs before adding adult use. The compressed timeline means regulators must simultaneously create basic rules while considering long-term market structure.
The three-month deadline expires in early 2025. If Nepal's government misses the court-imposed timeline, advocates could file contempt motions to force compliance.
This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.
