Kathmandu. Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has assured that the Ministry of Finance would facilitate the production and marketing of cannabis for medicinal purpose.

Responding to a question from lawmaker Bishnu Kumari Sapkota in today’s meeting of the National Assembly, he said cannabis production and marketing should not be seen only as income, employment and potential revenue collection. According to him, since marijuana is a controlled subject as a medicinal and narcotic substance, it should be studied by experts and necessary legal provisions.

“The production and marketing of marijuana is not limited to income, employment and potential revenue collection, but is also controlled by drugs and drugs. The Ministry of Finance will be ready to facilitate the project if it is managed as per the law after study and conclusion by the concerned experts,” said Wagle.

Stating that openness on this issue was increasing even in the developed and western countries, Finance Minister Wagle said that Nepal should also study the issue positively. He added that further study and inspection would be carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs in this regard.

“The Ministry of Finance will look at it positively if it can be made in the law after further study and determination. I will take initiative to resolve the issue promptly by coordinating with the Home Ministry,” he said.

He said that if the production and marketing of marijuana could be managed according to the law, it could contribute to income, employment, industrial promotion and increase government revenue.

Likewise, a sum of Rs 700,000 has been earmarked under the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation and Federal Affairs and General Administration in the fiscal year 2083/84 for the formulation of Acts, Rules, Working Procedures, Directives and Standards related to the Ministry, Commissions, Departments, Offices and Committees.

Responding to a query from lawmaker Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar, he assured that the ministries concerned could transfer the amount to increase the amount as per the need and would provide the necessary amount if demanded from the Ministry of Finance for further allocation.