The Federal Cabinet on Tuesday has approved the first license for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR) for industrial and medical use of Hemp.

The development was announced by the Federal of Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, who termed it as a ‘landmark decision’ and was of the view that the decision will place Pakistan in the multi-billion dollars Cannabidiol (CBD) Market.

It is pertinent to inform that Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. The plant can be refined into a variety of commercial items, including paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed.

The Ministry of Science and Technology requested for hemp plantation for industrial use and a summary was prepared for seeking permission from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The PM Office advised the Ministry of Narcotics Control to seek approval of the federal cabinet under Section 4 of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997 for the cultivation of hemp for industrial and medicinal purposes.