Pakistan Establishes Cannabis Regulatory Authority Through New Law

By Muhammad MubashirPublished On 16 Feb 2026

National Assembly Passes Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Act 2024

Pakistan’s National Assembly has passed the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Act 2024, introducing a legal system to regulate cannabis for medical and industrial purposes.

What Is This Bill About?

This new law does NOT legalize drugs for general use.
Instead, it creates strict government control over cannabis cultivation and production for:

✅ Medicine
✅ Industry
✅ Research & exports

The government will supervise everything through a new authority.

What Will Change?

1️⃣ New Government Authority

A Cannabis Control & Regulatory Authority will be created to:

• Issue licences

• Monitor cultivation

• Control production & sales

• Ensure safety and legality

2️⃣ Legal but Regulated Use

Cannabis can only be used when:

• Approved by the government

• Proper licence is issued

• Used for medical or industrial purposes

Unauthorized use will still remain illegal.

3️⃣ Business & Economic Opportunities

The law allows:

• Pharmaceutical medicines

• Textile & industrial products

• Research and export potential

This could open new economic and job opportunities.

4️⃣ Strict Monitoring & Security

Authorities and security agencies will:

• Inspect facilities

• Monitor THC levels

• Cancel licences for violations

• Impose heavy fines for illegal activities

Why This Matters for Youth

• Supports biotech & pharmaceutical innovation

• Creates new startup and research sectors

• Aligns Pakistan with global medical cannabis regulations

• Prevents illegal drug markets through regulation

Simple Summary

Pakistan has passed a law to regulate cannabis for medical and industrial use.
A new government authority will control cultivation, production, and licensing.
The move aims to boost the economy while keeping strict anti-drug controls.