Did you know that Nepal used to be known for its cannabis fields? This was especially true during the Hindu festival of Shivaratri. Many pilgrims visit temples and use cannabis in their religious rituals. But today, possessing even a small amount could lead to jail time.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that 158 countries have strict cannabis laws. Nepal is among them.
Is Cannabis Legal in Nepal? Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is not legal in Nepal for recreational or medical use. The country banned cannabis in 1973 under pressure from the United States. Before this, cannabis grew freely in places like the Himalayas. It was sold openly in markets. Today, the Narcotic Drugs Control Act 2033 (1976) makes it illegal to grow, sell, or use cannabis.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is illegal. Even small amounts for personal use can lead to fines or jail. In 2021, Nepal’s police made more than 2,500 cannabis arrests. Most were for possession.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is not allowed. Unlike countries like Canada or Germany, Nepal doesn’t recognize cannabis as medicine. Some politicians and activists want to legalize medical cannabis. They believe it can help patients with chronic pain or epilepsy.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp is partially legal with a license. Hemp plants must have less than 0.3% THC (the chemical that causes a “high”). In 2020, Nepal’s government approved hemp farming in 17 districts, aiming to boost the economy. But high license fees and strict rules have slowed progress.
Cannabis Law and Control in Nepal
1. How Nepal Applies Cannabis Laws
Nepal’s police and anti-drug units strictly enforce cannabis laws. Checkpoints near popular tourist areas, like Kathmandu or Pokhara, often search for drugs. Foreigners caught with cannabis face the same penalties as locals, including deportation.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite the ban, Nepal’s illegal cannabis trade thrives. The UNODC says that 3% of Nepal’s population, around 900,000 people, uses cannabis illegally. Many illegal cannabis farms are in rural areas like Rukum and Rolpa. Farmers grow it secretly to earn extra money.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Nepal
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis is the second most-used drug in Nepal after alcohol. A 2019 government survey found that 4% of adults (ages 15–65) had tried cannabis. Use is higher among men (6%) than among women (1%).
2. Mental Health Concerns
Heavy cannabis use can harm mental health. Nepal’s Ministry of Health says that 12% of patients in rehab centers are there for cannabis addiction. Symptoms include anxiety, memory loss, and paranoia.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Legal hemp could benefit Nepal’s economy. Hemp products like paper, fabric, and biofuel could create jobs for farmers. In 2022, Kathmandu University found that changing hemp farming laws could help Nepal make over $50 million each year.
Cannabis Cultivation in Nepal
Growing cannabis is illegal without a hemp license. However, wild cannabis still grows in the Himalayas. Farmers in remote areas sometimes grow it secretly, risking raids by the police. Only a few licensed companies can farm legal hemp. They must follow strict rules about THC levels and land use.
Cannabis Penalties in Nepal
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Up to 1 month in jail or a fine of NPR 5,000 (≈ $38). |
| Trafficking | 1–5 years in jail. |
| Growing | 6 months–1 year in jail. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Nepal
Many activists and politicians want to legalize cannabis for medical and economic reasons. In 2020, a bill to legalize medical cannabis was proposed but not passed. Supporters argue legalization could:
- Boost tourism (like during Shivaratri).
- Create jobs in hemp farming.
- Reduce the illegal drug trade.
Conservative groups and international treaties, such as the UN’s 1961 Narcotics Convention, hold back change. For now, Nepal’s cannabis laws remain strict, but the debate continues.
Nepal’s cannabis laws are complex. The plant has cultural and economic value, but strict rules make it mostly illegal to use. It’s unclear if Nepal will legalize cannabis like Canada or Thailand. For now, visitors and locals should avoid cannabis to stay safe.
