Drug and Alcohol Law in Nepal

No. Cannabis (marijuana and hashish) has been illegal in Nepal since 1973. Cultivation, sale, and consumption are all prohibited. Possession carries fines and imprisonment up to 1 year; trafficking up to 5 years.

Drug trafficking is one of the most severely punished offences: up to life imprisonment (20 years) for trafficking hard drugs (heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine). Cannabis trafficking carries up to 5 years. Penalties increase with quantity.

The legal drinking age in Nepal is 18 years. Alcohol sale requires a license from local government. Sale is restricted near schools, hospitals, and religious sites.

Yes. Habitual drug or alcohol abuse can constitute grounds for divorce under the Muluki Civil Code. It is also a significant factor in child custody decisions — courts prioritize child safety.

Prohibited substances include:

• Cannabis (marijuana, hashish)
• Opium and its derivatives (heroin, morphine)
• Cocaine and crack cocaine
• Methamphetamine and synthetic drugs (ecstasy, LSD)
• Psychotropic substances without prescription

Traditional home brewing of alcohol (raksi, tongba, chhyang) for personal consumption is generally tolerated in Nepal. However, commercial sale without a license is illegal and subject to penalties from local government authorities.

Drunk driving is a criminal offence under the Traffic and Transport Management Act. Penalties include fines, license suspension, and imprisonment depending on severity. If drunk driving causes death, it may be prosecuted as causing death by negligence.

Yes. Both government and NGO-operated rehabilitation centers exist across Nepal. Treatment includes detoxification, counseling, skill development, and reintegration support. The government has designated treatment centers in major cities.

Yes. Alcohol-fueled domestic violence is both a criminal offence and a valid ground for divorce. The victim can file a domestic violence complaint and a separate divorce petition. Evidence of alcohol abuse strengthens the divorce case.

Yes. Selling or distributing drugs near schools, hospitals, and other sensitive areas carries enhanced penalties under the Narcotic Drugs Control Act. The proximity to vulnerable populations is treated as an aggravating factor during sentencing.

The Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs is the primary agency coordinating drug enforcement in Nepal. It works with Nepal Police, customs authorities, and international agencies (UNODC, Interpol) to combat drug trafficking.

No. Misuse of pharmaceutical drugs (using prescription medications without a valid prescription, selling controlled substances) is illegal. Penalties include fines up to 2 years imprisonment and pharmacy license revocation for sellers.

Parental drug abuse is a critical factor in custody decisions. Courts will not award custody to a parent with active substance abuse issues. Evidence of rehabilitation may be considered, but the child's safety is always the primary consideration.

Yes, to some extent. Possession of small quantities for personal use generally carries lighter penalties (fines and shorter imprisonment) compared to possession with intent to distribute. However, all possession is illegal and prosecutable.