Despite cannabis's deep historical and cultural roots in Nepal, its 1976 prohibition remains in effect even as legalization advocates gain momentum, and the country faces pressure to learn from global experiences.
Drug policy researchers, those interested in cannabis's cultural history, and South Asian policy watchers.
Cannabis has been prohibited in Nepal since 1976 despite centuries of cultural use
What the researchers found
Nepal's Narcotic Drugs Control Act of 1976 prohibits all cannabis cultivation, production, and distribution. However, cannabis has deep cultural and religious roots in Nepali society. As legalization advocates grow in number, the article argues that Nepal must consider evidence from countries that have already legalized to inform decisions about societal, economic, and public health impacts.
Why it matters
Nepal represents a case where cannabis prohibition directly contradicts centuries of cultural practice. As one of the first countries to ban cannabis under international pressure in the 1970s, its potential reversal would carry symbolic weight beyond its borders.
The numbers in context
Cannabis prohibited since 1976 via Narcotic Drugs Control Act; proponents for legalization increasing
How the study worked
Narrative review contextualizing Nepal's cannabis debate within its historical, cultural, and legal frameworks, alongside comparison with global legalization practices.
What this study cannot tell us
Policy commentary without primary data. May not capture the full complexity of Nepal's current political landscape regarding cannabis.
How to read the evidence
Narrative policy review without primary research data.
When this study was published
Published in 2024.
The bigger picture
Nepal's cannabis story mirrors many developing nations that adopted prohibition under international pressure despite longstanding cultural use. The current debate reflects a global trend of reconsidering these policies.
Questions still open
- Could Nepal's unique cultural relationship with cannabis inform a distinctive regulatory model?
- What economic impact might legalization have in one of Asia's poorest countries?
Common questions
Is cannabis legal in Nepal?
Why was cannabis banned in Nepal?
Read the original research
Current Status of Cannabis Legalization and Decriminalization Efforts in Nepal.
Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 15, 163-171
Citation
Pathak, Nabin; Dhungana, Shreya; Basyal, Bijaya; Jha, Prabhat Kumar; Shrestha, Sunil; Thapa, Panna; Paudyal, Vibhu. (2024). Current Status of Cannabis Legalization and Decriminalization Efforts in Nepal.. Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 15, 163-171. https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S466728