Pakistan plans to import a specific variety of cannabis seeds to begin research on its industrial and medical use to tap into the $25 billion cannabidiol (CBD) market. The science and technology minister, Fawad Chaudhry said that hemp seeds are used for producing oil, leaves for developing medication, while stems are used for fibers which are gradually replacing cotton in the textile industry.
The federal cabinet has green-lighted the issuance of a first licence for medical and industrial use of hemp leaves, locally known as Bhang. Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry tweeted that the cabinet which met with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair in Islamabad approved first license for the ministry and Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR).