Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority

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 (FDI) in the cannabis sector.^[5]

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. ^[6]

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 (charas), hashish oil, and other derivatives, while distinguishing hemp based on a maximum THC content of 0.3%. ^[7]

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. ^[8]