Supreme Court Orders Government to Regulate Cannabis Cultivation for Medicinal and Industrial Use
Summary
The Supreme Court has ordered the government to create regulations for controlled cannabis cultivation and production for medicinal, scientific, agricultural, horticultural and industrial use. The ruling has revived debate over legalization, public health safeguards, and whether farmers will actually benefit from the new market.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court has directed the government to arrange controlled cannabis cultivation and production by making the necessary regulations, standards and procedures within three months.
- The ruling does not legalize recreational use; it calls for strict licensing, monitoring and control across cultivation, processing, sale and export.
- The article says Nepal could use cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, but warns that weak regulation could benefit intermediaries more than farmers.
- It also notes provincial initiatives in Gandaki and Koshi and stresses the need for federal coordination, testing labs and clear public-health safeguards.
