The Business Prospects of Cannabis Beyond Recreation
There was a time when someone advocating for marijuana and talking about its ‘magic’ would automatically be labeled a total cuckoo! Even today, marijuana is mostly associated with societal deadbeats and random gypsies. However, with countries like Canada and multiple states in the USA legalizing marijuana, it is time Nepal finally opened up from their lowliness to realize the holy ‘highness’ of the mystical plant, Cannabis. In this article, we will attempt to outline the true magic of the plant that transcends recreational consumption.
Seeds
Those who are from Nepal, and India are already familiar with marijuana seeds. Traditionally, the seed ( known as ‘bhang’ in Nepal) has been used for a generation as a food item in the form of a chutney( achar). What might surprise you however is the nutritional value the seeds pack! The seeds contain 35% protein and amino acids and are a good source of essential fatty acids.
So, whether you want a healthy dietary alternative or use it as a supplement for animal/pet feed, marijuana seeds are nothing less of a superfood item!!
Roots
Cannabis roots have been used for millennia to treat varieties of ailments like fever, inflammation, tumors, infections and stomach issues. The roots contain magical compounds like friedelin and epifriedelanol. These compounds have been speculated to possess anti-aging properties. Research shows that these compounds help with pain, inflammation and fever.
Who wouldn’t want to trim a few years off their face with a fresh brew of marijuana roots?
Stem and Stalks
This might not be particularly news to Nepalese, who have come across unregulated clothing merchandise. We are sure most of you have heard of at least someone who owns a hemp t-shirt or a purse. What might be interesting, however, is knowing how durable this thing is. Yes, the marijuana stalk (fiber) is stronger than wood. The stems are so strong, that fibers made out of them can be, and are being, used as a substitute for cement and fiberglass.
Additionally, while the stalks are incredibly resistant to rot, they are biodegradable. Wouldn’t it be great if we could do something about our overreliance on plastics?
Embrace the Green!
It is sad that our lawmakers are totally reticent to even discuss the prospects of legalizing marijuana. Multiple studies and research have been carried out on this magical compound. As mentioned above, the multi-dimensional properties that marijuana has far outweigh the perceived negative impact on society. The thing is, culturally, we have not just tolerated but celebrated marijuana for millennia in Nepal. Up until the 80s, marijuana was perfectly legal in Nepal.
To read about how a brand named Eden Hashish Center pioneered cannabis branding in Nepal, click here.
It was after Nixon declared a global ‘War on Drugs’ and Reagan’s high-handedness towards countries like Nepal, that marijuana, as a good cultural plant, got slowly ripped off our social fabric to the point that associating oneself with marijuana today automatically gets you stigmatized. The funny thing is criminalizing marijuana and classifying it as a schedule A substance ( same as Cocaine and Heroin) is deeply rooted in America’s racial bigotry. Talking about the devastation that this act had on minorities in America (especially Blacks and Latinas) is a tragedy that warrants a deeper socio-political analysis in itself.
The irony is that the West, which forced our public consciousness to think of marijuana as a crude substance, has started commercializing it. They are doing multiple studies highlighting the medicinal and physical qualities of the plant, something our culture had been using for thousands of years. The point is despite the ban on marijuana plants, it grows aplenty in Nepal. And with the various uses highlighted above, in addition to the fact that marijuana is increasingly being accepted elsewhere, we think it is the perfect time for Nepal to finally start pushing for legalization!
