KP okays cannabis framework for medical & industrial sectors

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet has formally approved a regulatory framework for the cultivation and processing of cannabis for medicinal, industrial and commercial purposes.

In a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, the cabinet approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Cultivation of Cannabis Plants for Medical Research, Industrial and Commercial Purposes, Extraction, Refining, Manufacturing and Sale of Derivatives of Cannabis Plants) Rules, 2025.

The newly approved rules establish a legal framework that allows the provincial government to regulate all stages of cannabis use — from cultivation to refining and manufacturing its derivatives. The framework aims to support medicinal research and industrial development while ensuring monitoring and control of the sector.

The cabinet also reviewed the cost of the ‘Basic Facilities Missing in Schools’ project under the Conditional Grants Programme and increased the expenditure limit for Parent Teacher Councils from Rs. 05 million to Rs. 07 million

In the health sector, a ‘Sehat Card Transplant and Implant Scheme’ was launched to cover the cost of major transplants and cochlear implants for eligible patients.

Other approvals included Rs. 100 million for religious madrasas, Rs. 3.6 billion for sanitation vehicles in 132 TMAs, and funding for a drinking water supply scheme from the Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project. The cabinet also approved legal and administrative changes, including a bill for the merger of inspection teams and a housing scheme for government employees.