The National Assembly and Senate in Pakistan have recently passed bills to regulate the cultivation and sale of cannabis and its derivatives for medicinal and industrial purposes. After years of disputes between ministries, the Cannabis Authority Bill was finally approved with amendments to ensure fair representation in the governing body.
The move to legalize medicinal hemp production was initially proposed in 2020, facing objections from various ministries concerned about jurisdiction and potential impacts on food cultivation. However, the bills have now been passed to regulate the cultivation, extraction, and sale of cannabis products, with a focus on public health and safety, reducing illicit trafficking, and promoting local economic development.
The new legislation establishes the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority to oversee cultivation and production, with a clear regulatory framework to generate revenue through taxation and attract foreign investment. It also emphasizes research and development in the field and includes provisions for female representation in the governing body.
This step towards regulation aims to improve farmer income, mitigate social harm, and promote the development of cannabis-based products for both domestic use and export, while complying with international standards.