“dedicated to supporting individuals and communities impacted by cannabis prohibition globally”
The Northern Illusion Charitable Foundation (NICF) is a global charitable organization dedicated to supporting individuals and communities impacted by cannabis prohibition. Founded by Sekhar Nepal, a young American Nepali entrepreneur, NICF was born from a vision of justice, compassion, and empowerment. Headquartered in Minnesota, USA, the foundation operates internationally, prioritizing regions where unjust cannabis policies have caused social, economic, and health-related hardships.
We are committed to restoring dignity and providing tangible support to those affected by failed cannabis policies. From legal advocacy and educational fellowships to healthcare initiatives, NICF stands at the intersection of social justice, human rights, and compassionate care.
Our Mission
At NICF, we strive to:
• Defend Rights: Provide legal support and advocate for individuals unjustly imprisoned or criminalized due to cannabis-related offenses.
• Empower Through Education: Offer fellowships and educational grants to children and young people whose families have been torn apart by cannabis prohibition.
• Deliver Compassionate Care: Run health camps and hospice programs, offering pain management services to individuals suffering from chronic conditions.
• Create Lasting Impact: Partner with individuals, organizations, and institutions worldwide to promote cannabis policy reforms and support affected communities.
Our Vision
We envision a world where communities devastated by cannabis prohibition are empowered, restored, and given the tools to thrive.
Through our global initiatives, we aim to contribute to a more just and compassionate society—one where people are no longer criminalized for cannabis-related activities and where victims of unjust policies have the opportunity to heal and rebuild their lives.
What We Do
⚖️ Legal Support & Advocacy
NICF offers pro bono legal assistance, covering legal fees, providing litigation support, and advocating for policy reforms. Our goal is to defend individuals facing imprisonment or criminal records due to outdated cannabis laws. We also work to influence policies that promote fairness, equity, and decriminalization.
🎓 Educational Fellowship Fund
We recognize the generational impact of cannabis prohibition. NICF provides fellowships and educational grants to children and young people whose parents or guardians have been incarcerated due to cannabis-related charges. By investing in their education, we empower them to break free from cycles of marginalization and pursue brighter futures.
🏥 Healthcare & Hospice Services
NICF offers compassionate healthcare services to communities in need. Our 50-bed hospice center in Nepal, launching in September 2025, will provide palliative care and pain management services, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses. Through mobile health camps, we will offer free healthcare consultations, check-ups, and support for cannabis-related medical treatments.
How We Work
Global Partnerships
Collaboration is at the heart of our work. NICF partners with activists, legal experts, human rights organizations, healthcare providers, and educational institutions worldwide to maximize its reach and effectiveness. Each year, our board identifies priority countries where our support is most needed, ensuring a strategic and meaningful impact.
Our Founding Story
NICF was founded by Sekhar Nepal, an entrepreneur with a deep-rooted commitment to social justice. Inspired by the struggles of individuals unfairly criminalized by cannabis prohibition, Sekhar launched NICF to provide legal aid, educational support, and compassionate healthcare in 2020. After 4 years the foundation was formally registered as a non profit organization in the US. Under his leadership and supported by a strong team of individuals and experts as the board of directors the foundation aims to turn the suffering caused by unjust policies into opportunities for healing and empowerment.
Our First Project: Nepal Hospice & Country Office
In September 2025, NICF plans to launch its first international project—a 50-bed hospice center in Nepal. This facility will offer palliative care, pain management, and medical support for individuals suffering from chronic conditions, including those affected by limited access to cannabis-based treatments. The Nepal country office will serve as a base for NICF’s future operations in South Asia, supporting both healthcare and legal advocacy efforts in the region.
Our Values
• Justice: We advocate for fairness and the protection of human rights in cannabis-related legal matters.
• Compassion: Our programs provide care and dignity to individuals and families facing hardship.
• Empowerment: We offer opportunities for education, growth, and self-sufficiency to those impacted by unjust cannabis policies.
• Integrity: Transparency and accountability drive our operations and partnerships.
How You Can Help
NICF relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations to make a difference. Whether through donations, partnerships, or volunteering, your support allows us to fight for justice, provide healthcare, and empower future generations.
Together, we can turn the pain caused by unjust cannabis policies into hope, healing, and opportunity.
“prioritizing regions where unjust cannabis policies have caused social, economic, and health-related hardships.”
