Islamabad, 3 September 2024 (TDI): The National Assembly of Pakistan has successfully passed the Cannabis Control & Authority Bill, 2024. The Bill is making a meaningful step towards regulating the cultivation, extraction, refining, manufacturing, and sale of cannabis derivatives for medicinal and industrial use. The National Assembly passed the bill during yesterday’s session by Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
A Move towards Regulation and Innovation
The Cannabis Control & Regulatory Authority Bill, of 2024, is an unprecedented piece of legislation. It aimed at providing a detailed framework for the controlled cultivation. This bill aims to harness the medicinal and industrial potential of cannabis, recognized globally while assuring strict regulation to prevent misuse.
Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif emphasized the importance of this bill legislation in accessing the vast economic potential. It includes textiles, construction materials, and biofuel. However, regulation of cannabis can open new ways for research, employment, development, and pitching in positively to a country’s economy.
On the other hand, the Speaker of the National Assembly got the idea of the House after the bill was moved. The members of the National Assembly admitted the importance of progressive legislation and voted in favor. It led to its successful passage. Although, that addressed public health needs.
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Key Arrangements of the Bill
The Cannabis Control & Regulatory Authority Bill, 2024 highlights many amenities to regulate strictly:
License and Regulation:
The regulatory authority will issue licenses for the cultivation, refining, and manufacturing of cannabis and will oversee the safety and quality standards.
Medicinal Use:
This bill will control the use of cannabis in the production of medicinal products, identifying the therapeutic capabilities in medical conditions.
Industrial Applications:
This bill addresses industrial usage in the production of textiles, biofuels, and other materials. This opens new possibilities to compete with the world.
Preventing Misuse:
The bill includes strict penalties for misuse of cannabis products. The authority will enforce agencies to ensure compliance with the law.
Future Perspective
Additionally, The bill’s implementation is expected to attract investment, boost innovation, and create job openings in various sectors. The successful passage of the bill represents the government’s broader vision to embrace new opportunities that will safeguard the public interest.
Passing the Cannabis & Regulatory Authority Bill, of 2024, however, the government of Pakistan has taken a landmark decision in regulating the use of cannabis for medicinal and industrial goals. This will unlock new economic opportunities while ensuring that cultivation and usage are monitored effectively and efficiently.
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