Last verified: March 2026

Limited Access — Illegal but Minimally Enforced

A History of Cannabis and Its Prohibition

Nepal has one of the longest continuous relationships with cannabis of any country on Earth. Cannabis grows wild across much of the Himalayan foothills and has been used for centuries in Hindu religious practice, particularly by sadhus (holy men) and during festivals like Maha Shivaratri. Until 1973, cannabis was legal and openly sold in shops in Kathmandu's "Freak Street" (Jochne), which was a legendary stop on the 1960s-70s hippie trail.

In 1973, under intense pressure from the United States during the Nixon-era War on Drugs, Nepal passed the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, criminalizing cannabis. The ban was a condition for US foreign aid. Many Nepalis view the prohibition as a foreign imposition that contradicts thousands of years of cultural practice.

The Enforcement Reality

Despite being technically illegal for over 50 years, cannabis enforcement in Nepal is minimal to nonexistent for personal use:

• Fines are trivial: When enforced at all, fines for small possession can be as low as 2,000 NPR (~$15 USD)
• Police rarely pursue tourists: Law enforcement resources are limited, and cannabis possession by tourists is extremely low priority
• Wild cannabis is everywhere: The plant grows naturally across the country, making prohibition functionally unenforceable in rural areas
• Kathmandu and Pokhara: Cannabis is openly available and use is visible, though not officially tolerated

Where Tourists Encounter Cannabis

Kathmandu

The Thamel tourist district and surrounding areas have a visible cannabis culture. Dealers approach tourists, though less aggressively than in some other countries. Quality and pricing are inconsistent. Near Pashupatinath Temple, sadhus openly smoke cannabis as part of religious practice.

Pokhara

The lakeside tourist area in Pokhara has a similarly relaxed atmosphere. Cannabis is available through informal channels and use is common among both tourists and locals.

Trekking Routes

Cannabis grows wild along many popular trekking routes in the Annapurna and Everest regions. It is not uncommon to see cannabis plants growing alongside trails. Some teahouses in more remote areas may offer cannabis products informally.

Legal Risks: Small but Real

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, tourists should understand that cannabis is technically illegal:

• Arrest is rare but not impossible, particularly during periodic police operations
• Larger quantities or any indication of dealing significantly increase risk
• Border areas (especially the Indian border) may have stricter enforcement
• A drug offense on your record could affect visa applications to other countries

The Legalization Movement

Periodic parliamentary proposals to re-legalize cannabis have been introduced in Nepal, often arguing that the ban was a foreign imposition and that legalization could generate significant tourism and agricultural revenue. None have passed, but the idea has growing support, particularly among younger legislators and those advocating for a return to traditional cultural practices.

Practical Advice for Tourists

• Nepal is one of the lowest-risk countries for cannabis-related trouble, but "low risk" is not "no risk"
• Do not carry large amounts — keep quantities clearly personal
• Be respectful of the religious and cultural context — cannabis use among sadhus is a spiritual practice, not recreation
• Never attempt to take cannabis out of Nepal, especially across the Indian border
• Quality from street dealers is unreliable — hash is generally better quality than flower