Bhang is Legal Now! KPK Considering Legalizing Cannabis for Medical Purposes

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has started exploring legalising cannabis cultivation. Large pharmaceutical companies may get licenses, while excise duties and license fees are proposed. A working group chaired by DG Excise Abdul Halim Khan is finalizing the policy. The move aims to regulate cannabis for medical and industrial purposes.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has taken the first steps toward legalising cannabis (Bhang) cultivation. Officials plan to allow large pharmaceutical companies to grow and process bhang under strict government supervision.

Authorities are also considering excise duties and license fees for licensed producers. This aims to regulate the cannabis sector and bring it under formal oversight.

A working group has been formed to finalize the policy documents. DG Excise Abdul Halim Khan is chairing the committee. They are reviewing regulations, licensing procedures, and tax structures to ensure compliance.

Cannabis cultivation is already widespread in KP, particularly in districts like Khyber, Orakzai, and Kurram. These areas produce thousands of tons of hashish every year. Bringing cultivation into a legal framework will reduce illegal trade and smuggling.

The suggested system will enable cultivation with medical and industrial purposes only. The government aims at discouraging abuse and provides a regulated, taxable industry. According to the officials, licensed cultivation will substitute the uncontrolled farming.

Once the working group submits its recommendations, the provincial cabinet will review them. After approval, KP will set up a formal licensing system for farmers and pharmaceutical companies.

Legalising cannabis cultivation could have economic benefits. It may create jobs, generate revenue through excise duties, and reduce black-market activity. At the same time, strict monitoring will aim to prevent illegal use.