The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), in collaboration with the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA), on Monday held an awareness session highlighting the strong potential of Pakistan’s industrial and medicinal cannabis sector as a new avenue for investment, exports and sustainable economic growth.
Awareness session underscores economic potential of cannabis industry
RAWALPINDI, Jun 29 (APP): The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), in collaboration with the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA), on Monday held an awareness session highlighting the strong potential of Pakistan’s industrial and medicinal cannabis sector as a new avenue for investment, exports and sustainable economic growth.
The session focused on the National Cannabis Control and Regulatory Policy 2025, aimed at establishing a robust legal and regulatory framework for cultivation, processing, manufacturing and export of cannabis strictly for industrial and pharmaceutical use.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat, Group Leader Sohail Altaf and former president Raja Amer Iqbal welcomed the CCRA delegation led by Director General Major General (R) Zafar Ullah Khan.
Speaking on the occasion, the participants said the policy marked a significant step towards tapping into a multi-billion-dollar global market by promoting legal cultivation, curbing illicit trade and encouraging research, innovation and value addition.
They said the regulated development of hemp and medicinal cannabis could generate employment, particularly in rural areas, while opening new opportunities in key sectors including pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper, construction and nutraceuticals.
The speakers emphasised that strict licensing, quality assurance and compliance with international standards, including alignment with the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, would be critical in positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global market.
Officials from CCRA briefed participants on operational aspects of the policy, including licensing procedures, monitoring mechanisms and investment prospects, aimed at facilitating private sector participation and attracting both domestic and foreign investors.
The participants noted that with an effective regulatory framework and public-private collaboration, the sector could contribute significantly to export diversification, industrial development and foreign exchange earnings.
The session concluded with a call for continued awareness, stakeholder engagement and policy support to fully realise the economic potential of the emerging cannabis and hemp industry in Pakistan.
