MP Rajendra Kumar Rai Demands Legal Recognition for Cannabis Cultivation

Kathmandu. CPN (UML) MP Rajendra Kumar Rai has demanded that the government immediately give legal recognition to cannabis cultivation.

Speaking on a special time during the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday, MP Rai drew the government's attention to the need to create necessary laws and procedures by interpreting cannabis cultivation as a basis for economic prosperity. He expressed concern that the youth in his constituency, Dhankuta, are facing legal troubles and filling jails due to cannabis cultivation. He mentioned that the World Health Organization and the United Nations have already removed cannabis from the list of narcotics and certified it as a medicinal plant. He argued that more than 62 countries in the world are benefiting economically from it, neighboring India is earning billions of rupees annually from cannabis, and its demand in the global market is high. Rai emphasized the need to establish processing centers in Nepal as medicines for diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes, and uric acid can be made from cannabis. He claimed that cannabis cultivation would prove to be a milestone in stopping the rapid migration from hilly districts and creating employment at the local level. Citing Gandaki Province as an example that has already made laws in this regard, he said that the federal government should not delay. 'Many youths in the 18 to 30 age group are in jail today for doing cannabis cultivation for livelihood. This has caused despair and fear among the people of Dhankuta,' Rai said, 'The government needs to take this matter seriously.' He added, 'Products like shoes, socks, and hats made from cannabis are already in use. If the products can be used, why can't its commercial cultivation and sale be allowed? This is a serious question.' He also demanded the immediate release of innocent youths arrested on charges of cannabis trafficking and cultivation. He warned that if laws are not made in time, the widespread dissatisfaction among the public could take the form of rebellion, which would put the government in trouble. Rai concluded that there is no alternative to bringing cannabis, which is a natural resource, into the legal framework to strengthen the country's economy.