culturefocus.com
Nepal cashes in on cannabis

Nepalese authorities are blaming Maoist insurgents for a resurgence of cannabis cultivation in the country. Although the bulk of the herb is being grown in the mountainous regions where interdiction and eradication is difficult to impossible, the southern provinces also contribute to the crop totals. Further, the wild cannabis that thrives throughout the country is said to be the preferred ingredient used in the production of high grade hash.

Meanwhile, the cultivation of opium poppies is beginning take hold in the rural areas. Although the production is still at low levels in comparison to Afghanistan and Myanmar, authorities are concerned at the pace at which it is increasing.

Long renowned as a hippie haven and home of the legendary Nepalese temple balls, the industry once driven by tourists seeking hash is now underwritten by drug barons and grown for export. Since eradication is too difficult to accomplish in the mountains, the government has focused its efforts on intercepting the shipments in transit.

The Maoists deny they are behind the operations however, it cannot be denied they do nothing to stop it. Interestingly they do actively prohibit drinking.

The Maoists have imposed a ban on use of alcohol in areas under their control. This ban is hugely popular among rural women as it is said to have reduced alcoholism and domestic violence. But such attempts at moral policing do not seem to apply to the cultivation of cannabis.

The UN faults the government for not enacting stringent laws and signing on to their failed international conventions. I say, good for the Nepalese. Clearly they realize that the conventions will not work. Perhaps they will also come to realize the benefit to the country that would come if they legalize the trade.