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Pakistan has recently established the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) to oversee cannabis-related matters in the country.
The primary objective of this newly established authority is to regulate the cultivation, extraction, medical and industrial use, and sale of the cannabis plant.
Former President Dr. Arif Alvi officially promulgated an ordinance in March, paving the way for the establishment of the CCRA.
The authority will be governed by a 13-member board of governors, chaired by the secretary of the defence division.
The board will comprise members such as the cabinet secretary, the secretary of law and justice, the secretary of national food security and research, chief secretaries of the four provinces, two members from the private sector, as well as representatives from ISI, IB, AINF, and DRAP.
Its responsibilities include advising the federal government on cannabis-related matters, issuing licenses, and formulating a national policy governing the cultivation, sale, and production of cannabis plants. Licenses will be issued for five years under this ordinance.
Additionally, the authority will be responsible for policy-making, advising the government, formulating procedures for fund utilization, specifying fees and charges, and implementing quality controls.
Furthermore, it will coordinate with provincial governments and international counterparts, conduct research and development, ensure security standards, issue certifications, maintain lists of violators, and operate laboratories and testing facilities.
The board of governors, appointed by the prime minister, will oversee the authority’s operations and make policy decisions subject to government approval.