Pakistan rolls out first national policy to regulate cannabis use and support economic growth

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The federal cabinet has approved the National Cannabis Control and Regulatory Policy, 2025, marking Pakistan’s first comprehensive framework to regulate the cultivation, processing and trade of cannabis while preventing misuse and market abuse.

The policy was reviewed by a high-level committee formed under the Rules of Business, 1973, with the defence minister serving as convener.

The panel examined the draft in line with international standards and held meetings on August 5 and October 13, 2025, before endorsing the document with amendments.

A final report, the revised policy draft and a compliance certificate from the director-general of the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority were later submitted to the cabinet.

The policy was approved during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif under Section 13 of the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Act, 2024.

Officials said the framework aims to harness the economic potential of regulated cannabis cultivation and the production of derivatives for medical and industrial purposes, while putting strong safeguards in place across the supply chain to prevent illegal use.

The committee also assessed staffing and financial needs of the regulatory authority and proposed measures to avoid overlaps between federal and provincial laws and administrative responsibilities.

Under the policy, the federal government will issue national guidelines from time to time covering cultivation, manufacturing, domestic sales and international trade of cannabis and its by-products, in coordination with provincial governments and the regulatory authority.