GANDAKI PROVINCE GOVERNMENT PASSES BILL TO REGULATE HEMP CULTIVATION FOR MEDICINAL AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES

KASKI. Following the Gandaki Province Government's passage of the 'Bill to Regulate and Utilize Hemp Cultivation for Medicinal and Industrial Purposes,' discussions surrounding its commercial production and legal processes have intensified. The bill, which was returned by the Province Chief for reconsideration on a few issues, was unanimously passed by the Provincial Assembly with amendments last Friday. In this context, speaking to News Agency Nepal, Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey stated that this move is not just about permitting hemp cultivation but is a broader strategic plan to revive the rural economy and prevent youth migration.

Addressing the public's confusion regarding the legalization of hemp cultivation, Chief Minister Pandey clarified that the bill does not permit anyone to plant or sell hemp anywhere immediately upon its passage. He stated that it will be entirely based on a regulatory framework. He further clarified that this is not a concept where everyone will start planting hemp in their fields and bringing it to the market the very next day after the law allowing hemp cultivation is enacted. 'We have only opened it for medicinal and industrial purposes,' said Chief Minister Pandey. The bill completely prohibits the use of hemp as an intoxicating drug. Strict provisions have been included in the law to control its consumption and illegal trafficking. It can only be used for raw materials for medicines and industrial products such as clothing, paper, insulation, etc.