# Is Marijuana Legal in Nepal? _Published 12 July 2026_ Nepal's reputation as a 1960s hippie haven means many travellers ask whether cannabis is legal. The answer is clear. **Quick answer:** **no**. Cannabis has been **illegal in Nepal since 1976**, under the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act. Possessing, buying, selling or using it can lead to arrest, fines and prison. Despite debates about legalisation, it remains illegal. ## A bit of history Cannabis has long been part of South Asian culture and is associated with Shiva. In the 1960s and early 1970s, it was sold openly in government-licensed shops in Kathmandu, attracting Western travellers to "Freak Street" (Jhochhen) near Durbar Square. Under international pressure, Nepal banned cannabis in 1976. ## What about Shivaratri? You may see sadhus smoking cannabis during [Maha Shivaratri](/blog/maha-shivaratri-nepal) at Pashupatinath, where it has traditionally been tolerated as a religious practice. This does not make it legal for travellers. ## Advice - Don't buy or carry cannabis or other drugs. - Be wary of street sellers in tourist areas. - Drugs can also worsen altitude sickness and are dangerous on treks. See [is Nepal safe to visit?](/blog/is-nepal-safe-to-visit) and [common scams](/blog/common-scams-in-nepal). ## The history in more detail Cannabis grows wild across much of Nepal, from the Terai to the middle hills, and has been used for centuries in rituals, traditional medicine and as a fibre. In Hindu tradition, it is associated with Shiva, and sadhus have long used it as part of their spiritual practice. In the 1960s, Kathmandu became a famous stop on the "hippie trail" from Europe to Asia, and licensed government shops sold hashish and cannabis openly, especially around Jochhen Tole, better known as "Freak Street", near Kathmandu Durbar Square. Under pressure from the United States and the international community, Nepal closed the shops and banned cannabis under the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act of 1976. Since then, it has been illegal to grow, possess, sell or use. ## What the law says Under Nepali law, the cultivation, production, sale, purchase, possession and consumption of cannabis and other narcotics are offences. Penalties depend on the amount and the nature of the offence, and range from fines to long prison sentences for trafficking. Foreigners are subject to the same laws as Nepalis, and arrests of tourists for drug offences do happen. Prison conditions in Nepal are difficult, and legal processes can be slow. Your embassy can offer limited help but cannot get you released. ## The legalisation debate From time to time, Nepali politicians, campaigners and farmers' groups have called for cannabis to be legalised, for medical use, industrial hemp or tourism, and proposals have been discussed in parliament and in the media. Some argue that cannabis could become a valuable export crop, as in other countries. However, at the time of writing, cannabis remains illegal, and travellers should not assume that the law has changed. Check reliable news sources for any updates. ## Cannabis in tourist areas In Thamel and other tourist areas, you may be approached by people offering hashish or cannabis. These sellers sometimes work with police informers, sell poor-quality or adulterated products, or overcharge. Buying drugs puts you at legal risk and can lead to blackmail or theft. Politely decline and walk away. See [common scams](/blog/common-scams-in-nepal). ## Drugs and trekking Using cannabis or other drugs at altitude is especially risky. It can affect breathing, judgement, coordination and sleep, making altitude sickness more likely and harder to recognise, and increasing the risk of accidents on steep trails. Combining drugs with alcohol or altitude medicines can also be dangerous. Your guide may refuse to continue with a trekker who is using drugs. See [altitude sickness](/blog/altitude-sickness-nepal-trekking). ## Hemp products You will see bags, clothes and other products made from hemp (allo) fibre in shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara. These are legal, contain no psychoactive substances, and make good souvenirs, supporting rural producers. Hemp has been used for fibre in the hills of Nepal for centuries. See [shopping guide](/blog/shopping-in-nepal-souvenir-guide). ## Other drugs All other recreational drugs, including hashish, opium, heroin, cocaine and synthetic drugs, are illegal in Nepal, with severe penalties. Some prescription medicines that are legal at home may be controlled substances in Nepal, so carry them in their original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Medicines bought in Nepali pharmacies without a prescription can be counterfeit or inappropriate, so seek medical advice. See [health tips](/blog/vaccinations-and-health-for-nepal). ## Alcohol Unlike cannabis, alcohol is legal in Nepal for adults over 18 and widely available, from local raksi and chhyang to beer and spirits. However, drinking at altitude is discouraged, as alcohol worsens dehydration and can mask altitude sickness. Drink driving is strictly enforced in Kathmandu. See [traditional drinks](/blog/nepali-drinks-raksi-tongba-chhyang). ## Our advice Enjoy Nepal's culture, landscapes and festivals without drugs. The risks, from arrest to accidents at altitude, are not worth it. If you see sadhus using cannabis at Shivaratri, remember it is a religious tradition tolerated in a specific context, not a sign that it is legal for visitors. ## Cannabis in Nepali culture Cannabis plants, known locally as **ganja** (flowers) and **charas** (resin), have a long history in Nepal. In the hills, hemp fibre was traditionally used for rope, sacks and clothing, and hemp seeds were eaten as food or made into chutney. In Hindu religious tradition, bhang, a preparation made from cannabis leaves, is associated with Shiva and festivals such as Holi and Shivaratri in some communities. This cultural history explains why the plant is common and why tolerance exists in specific religious contexts, but it does not change the law for travellers. ## What to do if offered drugs Simply say no, politely, and walk away. Don't negotiate or engage in conversation with persistent sellers. If you are harassed, go into a shop or hotel, or contact the Tourist Police on 1144. Never carry packages or bags for strangers, especially when crossing borders or flying, as you could unknowingly be used to transport drugs. ## Freak Street today Jochhen Tole, the old Freak Street, still exists just south of Kathmandu Durbar Square, with a few guesthouses, cafés and murals that recall its hippie past. Today it is a quiet, slightly faded lane, and the drug shops are long gone. It is an interesting stop on a walk around the old city for anyone curious about Kathmandu's 1960s and 1970s history. See [Kathmandu Durbar Square](/blog/kathmandu-durbar-square-guide). ## Penalties in practice Police in Kathmandu and Pokhara conduct periodic checks in tourist areas, especially around bars and nightlife spots. Foreigners caught with drugs can be detained, fined, have their passports held during proceedings, face deportation and be banned from returning, and, for larger amounts, receive prison sentences. Even small amounts can lead to days or weeks of legal trouble and an unhappy end to your trip. Travel insurance usually doesn't cover incidents involving illegal drugs. ## Health risks Beyond legal risks, street cannabis in Nepal may be mixed with other substances, and its strength is unpredictable. Combined with jet lag, altitude, dehydration or alcohol, it can cause anxiety, dizziness and poor judgement. Edible preparations such as bhang lassi, sometimes sold at festivals, can be very strong and long-lasting. If someone feels unwell after taking drugs, seek medical help promptly; Kathmandu has hospitals that treat foreigners. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is marijuana legal in Nepal? No, it has been illegal since 1976. ### Was cannabis ever legal in Nepal? It was sold openly before the 1970s. ### What is Freak Street? A street near Kathmandu Durbar Square famous in the hippie era. ### What are the penalties? Arrest, fines and possible prison. ### What was Freak Street? Jochhen Tole near Kathmandu Durbar Square, famous on the 1960s hippie trail. ### Are hemp products legal? Yes, hemp fibre bags and clothes are legal souvenirs. ### Can my embassy help if I am arrested? Embassies can offer limited help but cannot get you released. ### Is cannabis legalisation likely? It has been debated, but cannabis remains illegal at the time of writing. ### Why are drugs dangerous on treks? They affect breathing, judgement and sleep, raising altitude and accident risks. ### Is alcohol legal in Nepal? Yes, for adults over 18, though drinking at altitude is discouraged. ### Can I bring prescription medicines? Yes, in original packaging with a copy of the prescription; some may be controlled. ### What is bhang? A cannabis preparation associated with Shiva and some festivals; it is still illegal for travellers. ### What if someone offers me drugs? Say no politely and walk away; contact the Tourist Police on 1144 if harassed. ### Can I visit Freak Street? Yes, Jochhen Tole is just south of Kathmandu Durbar Square, now a quiet lane with cafés. ### Is CBD oil legal in Nepal? Cannabis products are generally illegal; don't bring them. ### Can foreigners be deported for drugs? Yes, and they may be banned from returning to Nepal. ### Does insurance cover drug-related incidents? Usually not. ### Is street cannabis safe? Its strength and contents are unpredictable, and it may be mixed with other substances. ### What is bhang lassi? A drink containing cannabis, sometimes sold at festivals; it is illegal and can be very strong. ### Are there drug checks at Kathmandu airport? Yes, customs and security check baggage, and penalties for smuggling are severe. ### When was cannabis banned in Nepal? In 1976, under the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act. Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/is-marijuana-legal-in-nepal