Lalitpur-Patan, Nepal: In a recent science dialogue organized by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), experts emphasized the need for legal changes to allow the use of marijuana as medicine. The discussion, titled 'Pharmaceutical properties of cannabis and its social impact,' brought together professionals from various fields to explore the medicinal potential of marijuana and its impact on society.

Medical Recommendation for Marijuana Use:

Prof. Dr. Panna Thapa of Kathmandu University School of Science, Department of Pharmacy, highlighted the importance of allowing patients to use marijuana based on a doctor's recommendation. Dr. Thapa stressed that if medical examinations prove the health benefits of marijuana, it should be recommended for patients, and legal arrangements should be made to support its medicinal use.

Categorization of Cannabis:

Dr. Thapa explained that Nepal is home to three types of cannabis plants, and he advocated for the use of cannabis, which originated from China, in treating conditions such as insomnia and anxiety. He pointed out that historically, marijuana had been used medicinally in Nepal before 1973 and criticized the global ban on marijuana, attributing it to the strategy of powerful countries to keep poorer nations weak.

Economic Opportunities and Hemp History:

Dr. Rameshchandra Poudel, a member of the National Planning Commission, highlighted the 300-year history of hemp use and its potential as a raw material in garments and textiles. He urged for the internationalization of marijuana by linking it to its medicinal properties, similar to the success of Gulmi's coffee being linked to Japan. Dr. Poudel expressed concern about losing cultural and economic opportunities due to restrictive laws.

Policy Challenges and Recommendations:

NAST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba acknowledged the complexity of policies related to cannabis production, consumption, processing, and marketing. He emphasized the importance of considering scientific, social, and humanitarian aspects when formulating policies and laws. Dr. Subba hoped that a comprehensive report could be submitted to benefit the government's decision-making process.

Advocate Rajkumar Suwal, executive director of Intellectual Property Center Nepal, suggested innovative uses for marijuana, proposing that planting marijuana indoors could help purify the air. He also noted that despite legal bans in some countries, over four hundred patients were recommended marijuana for medical use in a year.

Scientific Research and Regulation:

Dr. Sajanlal Syaula, a scientist from NAST, stressed the importance of researching the specific medicinal properties of different marijuana strains and determining appropriate uses. He advocated for policies that regulate marijuana use to prevent abuse while facilitating its medicinal benefits.

Economic Opportunities and Challenges:

Ganesh Aidy, Managing Director of Hemp Industry, discussed the economic aspects of cannabis. He highlighted the need to address legal loopholes and mentioned the vast potential for hemp cultivation in Nepal. Aidy indicated that current production falls short of the possible yield, urging for regulatory improvements to unlock the economic benefits.

The science dialogue on the pharmaceutical properties of cannabis and its social impact underscored the urgency of reconsidering marijuana's legal status in Nepal. Experts from various fields called for a balanced approach that acknowledges both the medicinal potential and economic opportunities associated with marijuana. As the dialogue concluded, there was a shared hope that policymakers would take concrete steps to revise existing laws, allowing for the responsible use of marijuana as a medicine while ensuring its proper regulation to prevent misuse.