Did you know Pakistan is one of the top cannabis-producing countries in the world? A 2022 UN report says Pakistan grows over 40,000 hectares of cannabis yearly. Most of this is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nearby regions.
But here’s the twist: even though cannabis grows wild in many areas, using or selling it for fun remains illegal. Let’s explore the tricky cannabis laws in Pakistan. We’ll look at what’s allowed, what’s not, and what might change soon.
Is Cannabis Legal in Pakistan? Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is not fully legal in Pakistan. Although the plant grows in many parts of the country, the law imposes strict controls on its use. Pakistan’s government labels cannabis as a “narcotic drug.” This is under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act (CNSA) from 1997.
This means growing, selling, or using cannabis for fun can lead to fines or jail time. But, the rules for medical or industrial use are slightly different.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis use is illegal in Pakistan. Some rural communities use cannabis, known as bhang or chars. However, the law forbids it. Police can arrest people caught using or carrying small amounts. In 2021, Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) reported over 15,000 arrests for cannabis offenses.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is partially allowed. In 2020, Pakistan gave a license to a local company. This company can now grow cannabis to make medical products, such as CBD oil. However, patients need special permission to access these treatments. This is a small step. Countries like Germany and Uruguay have widely legal medical cannabis.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp is a type of cannabis that has low THC. It is not fully legal yet, but talks about it are happening. Hemp can make eco-friendly products like paper, textiles, and biofuels. In 2023, Punjab’s government proposed pilot projects to study hemp farming. If successful, Pakistan could join the U.S. and France. They boost their economies with industrial hemp.
Cannabis Law and Control in Pakistan
1. How Pakistan Applies Cannabis Laws
Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) enforces cannabis laws. They destroy illegal crops, arrest sellers, and seize drugs. For example, in 2022, the ANF destroyed 1,200 tons of cannabis plants and arrested 3,500 suspects. However, remote areas with wild cannabis growth are harder to control.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite strict laws, Pakistan’s illegal cannabis market is huge. The UN estimates that 30% of cannabis sold illegally in Asia comes from Pakistan. Smugglers often send it to countries like Iran or Afghanistan. This black market thrives because farming cannabis is cheaper than crops like wheat or cotton.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Pakistan
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis is Pakistan’s second-most-used drug after heroin. A 2023 survey found that 4 million Pakistanis use cannabis yearly. Most users are young men in rural areas, where the plant is easily available.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Heavy cannabis use can lead to anxiety or memory issues. Pakistan’s hospitals report that 12% of mental health cases involve drug abuse, including cannabis. However, many users don’t seek help due to social stigma.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
If legalized, industrial hemp could create jobs and reduce pollution. Hemp grows faster than cotton and uses less water. Countries like China use hemp for clothing and construction—Pakistan could do the same.
Cannabis Cultivation in Pakistan
Cannabis grows wild in northern Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Farmers here have grown cannabis for centuries, but most do it illegally. The ANF claims that 70% of Pakistan’s illegal cannabis comes from this region. Legalizing hemp could help these farmers earn a safer income.
Cannabis Penalties in Pakistan
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Carrying small amounts (under 1 kg) can lead to 6 months to 2 years in jail or a fine of PKR 10,000–100,000 ($35–$350). |
| Trafficking | Selling or transporting cannabis can result in 2–10 years in jail. Repeat offenders face life sentences. |
| Growing | Growing cannabis without a license leads to up to 7 years in prison. Farmers often risk arrest to earn money. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Pakistan
Pakistan’s government is slowly opening up to cannabis. Medical research and industrial hemp projects could pave the way for legalization, similar to cannabis in Mexico. In 2023, the Health Ministry suggested changing laws. This would help more medical cannabis research.
Cannabis laws in Pakistan are strict but slowly changing. While recreational use is illegal, medical and industrial cannabis might expand soon. Stay informed about cannabis legalization in Pakistan and other regions like:
