Gandaki pushes marijuana law through despite federal law concerns
Summary
Gandaki Province has enacted a law to regulate marijuana cultivation and use for medicinal and industrial purposes after Province Chief Dilli Raj Bhatta authenticated the bill. The legislation survived constitutional objections over possible conflicts with federal narcotics law and was passed again by the provincial assembly without amendments.
Key Points
- Province Chief Dilli Raj Bhatta authenticated the marijuana regulation bill after the Gandaki Provincial Assembly reapproved it without amendments.
- The province chief had earlier returned the bill, citing conflicts with the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, 1976 and questions over provincial jurisdiction.
- Lawmakers argued the constitution allows provincial laws under exclusive powers to prevail over older federal legislation after the transition period.
- The new law creates a framework to promote lawful marijuana use, raise farmers' incomes, and attract investment in processing.
