ISLAMABAD: The government has announced a new law called the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Regulations 2024 to govern how cannabis is grown and used in Pakistan.
The regulation was notified on 16 February 2024 under Article 89 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
This new law establishes rules for overseeing the growth, processing, production and sale of cannabis products for medical, industrial and other uses.
A special regulatory body called the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority will be in charge of enforcing the rules for growing and using cannabis, including licensing.
The law clearly defined important terms related to the plant, including what is defined under “cannabis”, what includes the “cultivation” of the plant, and what is considered its “derivatives”.
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It also includes detailed licensing requirements to ensure that individuals or businesses involved in cannabis-related activities obtain the necessary permits under the ordinance.
Regarding the implementation of the new law, section 33 of the decree states its “supremacy over conflicting laws” and makes it clear that its provisions will take precedence over any other existing legal frameworks that are inconsistent with its directives.
But the law also makes it clear that it will not interfere with other important laws related to drug control. Section 34 states that this new order will not affect the powers given by, inter alia, the Drugs Act 1997 and the Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997.
