Q&A: Before we get high on the cannabis law, let’s measure the plant
Summary
Gandaki Province’s cannabis cultivation law has been welcomed as historic, but experts say the real challenge lies in building clear rules, scientific standards and health safeguards. Researcher Dr Amrit Baral argues Nepal needs data on local cannabis, better definitions for hemp and medicinal use, and stronger regulation before scaling up cultivation.
Key Points
- Gandaki Province passed a cannabis cultivation bill that became an act after authentication, drawing praise for its historic significance and criticism for its gaps.
- Researcher Dr Amrit Baral says the directive must clarify licensing, cultivation limits, hemp versus medicinal cannabis, and standards for production and exports.
- He argues Nepal should document its local cannabis through sampling and research, rather than relying on assumptions or foreign models alone.
- Baral says regulation, clinical trials, health-professional training and public education must move together if legalization is to work sustainably.
