KATHMANDU, June 5: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane has expressed commitment to drafting the regulations for a feasibility study on the cultivation of marijuana for medical use. During a meeting of the Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee of Parliament, DPM Lamichhane said that adequate discussions have been held, leaving no doubts regarding the issue.

This initiative follows the government's recent announcement to legalize marijuana cultivation and consumption for medicinal purposes. Presenting the government's budget estimates for the fiscal year 2024/25 on May 28, Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun had stated that necessary laws would be formulated for the commercial production of marijuana in the country. "Legal arrangements will be made for commercial cultivation and consumption of marijuana for medical use," he said.

Friday’s meeting was convened to discuss the commercial cultivation of marijuana for medicinal use, a topic included in the newly unveiled budget for the fiscal year 2024/25. DPM Lamichhane said, "We are formulating necessary regulations at the earliest to conduct study and research on cultivating marijuana for medicinal and commercial use." He assured that a study committee would be formed within a month to explore marijuana cultivation comprehensively, considering the social context and monitoring aspects.

DPM Lamichhane reaffirmed that individuals abusing narcotic drugs or involved in smuggling illegal substances would face legal actions. He said, "Some people are serving time in jail while some are involved in the abuse of narcotic drugs and smuggling. We are deeply studying this."

Committee President Dr Arzu Rana Deuba welcomed DPM Lamichhane's commitment and emphasized the committee's support for the initiative. She said "The committee provides time until mid-August to devise regulations. If the Ministry of Home Affairs fails to accelerate this work, the committee will form a sub-committee."

The parliamentary committee has instructed the government to facilitate legal provisions for the commercial production and study of cannabis. The Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee, which met on Friday, issued this directive.

Committee chairperson Dr Rana requested the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and Ministry of Finance to ease the implementation of laws mentioned in the budget for the commercial production of cannabis. She noted the public interest in the government's policies on marijuana cultivation and emphasized the importance of positive commitment from the MoHA.

"All citizens are interested in the government's stance on marijuana cultivation. The Ministry of Home Affairs must take the first step by making regulations within a month. The committee is ready to assist. We will be happy if the regulations are made by next month. We will monitor the government's actions for three months. If necessary, we will form a sub-committee. The negative aspects of legalizing marijuana should also be considered. I urge the MoHA to initiate the study and research of marijuana as soon as possible,” Dr Rana said.