Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority


The Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority is a federal regulatory body established by the Government of Pakistan in 2024 to oversee the cultivation, processing, and commercialization of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes. The authority was created under the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Act, 2024, following the passage of the bill by the National Assembly in September 2024.

Mandate and functions

The CCRA is tasked with:
  • Regulating the cultivation, extraction, refining, manufacturing, and sale of cannabis and its derivatives.
  • Issuing licenses for cannabis-related activities, including cultivation and processing.
  • Ensuring compliance with international obligations and best practices concerning cannabis use.
  • Promoting research and development in cannabis-based medicinal and industrial products.
  • Generating government revenue through taxation and attracting foreign direct investment in the cannabis sector.

Organizational structure

The CCRA operates under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division. Its governance is overseen by a 13-member Board of Governors, chaired by the Secretary of the Defence Division. The board includes representatives from various federal ministries, provincial governments, intelligence agencies, and the private sector.

Licensing and regulation

Under the CCRA's framework, licenses for cannabis cultivation and processing are issued for a period of five years. The authority defines cannabis to include resin, hashish oil, and other derivatives, while distinguishing hemp based on a maximum THC content of 0.3%.

Economic and social impact

The establishment of the CCRA is seen as a significant step towards harnessing the economic potential of cannabis in Pakistan. By regulating the industry, the government aims to reduce illicit trafficking, provide better margins to farmers, and promote the development of a supply chain for industrial and medicinal cannabis products.