Opinion | First regulate cannabis cultivation. Licence it after
Summary
A researcher emphasizes the necessity of establishing a scientific and legal framework before licensing cannabis cultivation in Nepal, highlighting the importance of classification, mandatory testing, research governance, and legal clarity for sustainable regulation.
Key Points
- Cannabis cultivation regulation must differentiate between industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis using clear chemical thresholds.
- Mandatory laboratory testing for cannabinoid profiles and contaminants is essential before licensing cannabis batches.
- Nepal lacks domestic cannabis research and must establish legal pathways and scientific governance for evidence-based regulation.
- Legal clarity is needed to align provincial licensing with national narcotics law and protect licensed farmers.
