You guys probably heard about the legalization of marijuana nowadays through various media. Some politicians and social activists are continuously working on the legalization process.

So many people are dilemma whether the legalization will help to uplift the country’s economy or create chaos. Before that, we need to understand the history of Marijuana in Nepal.

Marijuana was Legal in Nepal Way Before

Nepal has a history of using cannabis or Marijuana for centuries for Ayurvedic medicine, intoxicant, and as a holy offering for Hindu Lord Shiva.

Nepal started Marijuana as medical medicine in the 17th century. It is also stated that soldiers were given to consume marijuana before the fight to keep them calm during the 15th century.

In the 19th Century, Marijuana was cultivated as a cash crop. However, In 1976, the Nepali government banned it under the pressure of the UN and the USA.

Hippie Trail

From the 1950s, hippies from all over the world came to Nepal. The heavy usage by visitors normalized and made cannabis consumption trendy locally. It made the increase in demand as well as the cannabis economy was skyrocketing.

Prohibition of Marijuan Usage

In 1961, the Nepal government gave a license to farm and sell marijuana. The license was given to around 30 shops and cafes for the legal distribution of marijuana. •The tax revenue from selling marijuana was the biggest source of income for Nepal.

In 1973, the USA and UN pressured Nepali governments to cancel all the licenses. In 1976, Marijuana was completely banned by Narcotics Drug Control Act. Nepal faced the loss of $100,000 in government revenues.

Why Should Marijuan be Legalize In Nepal?

Marijuana is one of the least harmful illegal drugs than other drugs. Even alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana. Since marijuana is naturally found in Nepal why should we waste our resources? It will definitely help to uplift the country’s economy as Nepali cannabis is considered high quality and famous all over the world.

Cannabis has been used as ayurvedic medicine for centuries and has a lot of benifits such as

• Relief from a chronic pain
• It is also use in treating runny nose, diarrhea, excessive pain and mental problems.
• According to various researches, marijuana plays vital role in treating glaucoma, epilepsy, insomnia, Alzheimer’s disease, body pains and indigestion.
• Alleviate anxiety and depression
• It is useful in killing cells that spread cancer in the body
• Regulate and prevent diabetes
• Likewise, the Baidhyakhana produced cannabis-mixed drugs like Poorna Chandrodaya Ras and Bhog Sundari can treat premature ejaculation and increase sexual power respectively.

Legalization Movement

According to Wikipedia, members of Parliament from the Communist Party, Birodh Khatiwada, and 47 other party lawmakers filed a motion in parliament in January 2020 calling for the legalization of Cannabis.