Pakistan took a significant step towards legalizing cannabis for medical and industrial use on Monday as the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology unanimously passed the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Bill, 2024. The bill, which was passed with amendments, establishes a framework for regulating the cultivation and production of cannabis, aiming to harness its economic potential while ensuring public health.
Senator Kamil Ali Agha, who chaired the meeting, highlighted the bill’s key provisions, including the establishment of a Board of Governors for the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA). The board will consist of two Senate members, including one woman, along with other key figures.
Dr. Syed Hussain Abidi, chairman of the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), emphasized the bill’s potential to generate significant revenue and create new economic opportunities. He cited the global medical marijuana market, valued at $30 billion, and highlighted the various industrial applications of cannabis, including its use in textiles, food, and construction.
While acknowledging the potential benefits, Senator Musadik Masood Malik stressed the need for strict safeguards to prevent the misuse of cannabis. He advocated for limiting its use to medical purposes and ensuring robust regulatory measures to combat abuse.
The passage of this bill marks a turning point for Pakistan, following years of debate and discussions. In 2020, then-Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry initiated discussions on facilitating the use of CBD and industrial hemp, but the Ministry of Narcotics Control objected, arguing it fell under their jurisdiction.
Now, four years later, Pakistan is moving forward with the establishment of the CCRA, a regulatory body responsible for licensing growers and sellers and designating specific regions for cultivation. The board of governors includes the secretary for the Defense Division as chairperson and the chief secretaries of each province as members.
The Ministry of Defense’s oversight role stems from the historical cultivation of cannabis in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). To ensure compliance with UN protocols and effective regulation, the ministry’s involvement is deemed crucial.
Under the CCRA framework, the THC content in cannabis derivatives will be capped at 0.3% to prevent recreational use. Penalties for violations range from 10 million to 200 million Pakistani rupees, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a tightly regulated cannabis industry.
The approval of the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Bill represents a significant shift in Pakistan’s approach to cannabis. By legalizing its cultivation and production for medical and industrial purposes, the country aims to unlock its economic potential while safeguarding public health. The future of cannabis in Pakistan is now entering a new chapter, and its impact on the country’s economy and society remains to be seen.
