PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Monday decided to legalise the cultivation of cannabis (hemp) in specific districts of the province, marking a significant step toward its regulated industrial and medical use.

Under this initiative, cultivation would be permitted only through licensed growers, and a strict monitoring framework will be established.

Provincial minister for agriculture Sajjad Barkwal told reporters that in the initial phase, cannabis cultivation would be limited to designated areas. `A regulatory authority would be formed to oversee all aspects of cultivation, production, transportation, and usage,` he said, add-ing the authority would ensure compliance with the law and prevent misuse.

`A multi-departmental committee would also be established to supervise the licensing process,` he added.

`This committee would include representatives from the departments of agriculture, health, excise, and narcotics control.

`The provincial government has already approved formal rules and regulations to support this new policy,` Mr Barkwal said.

The minister clarified that cannabis cultivation would not impact food grain production in the province and emphasised that the new policy was expected to boost economic activity. -APP