KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has said the Ministry of Finance will facilitate the production and marketing of cannabis for medicinal purposes if it is brought under a proper legal and regulatory framework.

Responding to a question from National Assembly member Bishnu Kumari Sapkota on Friday, Wagle said cannabis should not be viewed solely as a source of income, employment and potential government revenue. Since cannabis is both a medicinal substance and a controlled narcotic, its production and commercialization require expert study and appropriate legal provisions, he said.

“If it is properly regulated in accordance with the law based on studies and conclusions from relevant experts, the Ministry of Finance will be ready to facilitate it,” Wagle said.

Citing the growing openness toward medicinal cannabis in developed and Western countries, Wagle said Nepal should also study the issue from a positive perspective. He said he would coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs to conduct further studies and determine the necessary legal framework.

According to Wagle, properly regulated cannabis production and marketing could contribute to income generation, employment, industrial development and government revenue.

Meanwhile, Wagle said Rs 700,000 has been initially allocated for fiscal year 2026/27 to formulate laws, regulations, procedures, directives and standards under the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration.

Responding to a question from National Assembly member Bhuvan Bahadur Sunar, he said the concerned ministries could increase the allocation through budget transfers if necessary. He also assured that the Finance Ministry would provide additional funds if justified requests were submitted.

The National Assembly also unanimously approved a proposal to consider the Bill on Reviving the Existing Provisions of the Nepal Special Service Act, 2042 (1985), 2083.

National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal put the proposal to a decision. Earlier, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sabita Gautam, on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, had presented the proposal for consideration of the bill.