Kathmandu: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has assured that the government will facilitate the production and marketing of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Responding to queries from National Assembly (NA) members in the meeting on Friday, the Minister said cannabis is a medicinal plant, but its use as a narcotic drug is also a concern that needs to be controlled. “That’s why legal provisions need reviewing following consultations with experts. Further study before deciding on the existing provisions on its production is imperative,” he underscored.
According to National News Agency Nepal, openness towards marijuana is increasing in developed and Western nations. Dr. Wagle mentioned that “It will address the issue positively if further study and conclusions determine that it should be legalised.” He added that the production and marketing of cannabis in accordance with the law could contribute to increased income, employment generation, industrial promotion, and government revenue.
He also updated the NA Members that an initial budget of Rs 700,000 was allocated in the fiscal year 2083/84 BS for the formulation of acts, rules, procedures, guidelines, and standards related to ministries, commissions, departments, offices, and committees under the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, and Federal Affairs and General Administration.
Responding to a query from Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar, the Finance Minister assured that the respective ministries can transfer the budgets on a need basis.