Is CBD Legal in Pakistan?
David ReichUpdated:The essentials at a glance:
Is CBD legal in Pakistan? The 1997 law prohibits cannabis and its derivatives. CBD is not mentioned explicitly, but is generally understood to fall under this definition. There is no specific medical exemption. Purchase, possession and import are therefore likely to be considered illegal and may be subject to severe penalties. Common CBD products include oils, capsules, edibles, vape products and skincare. Before travelling or making purchases, it is advisable to check the local regulations.
Which products contain CBD?
Before looking at CBD law in Pakistan, it helps to know which products usually contain CBD and may therefore be affected by local regulations. Common CBD product types include:
- CBD oils and tinctures: Liquid extracts, usually taken under the tongue for relatively fast absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: Pre-measured portions of CBD, often used like food supplements.
- CBD edibles: Foods and drinks with added CBD, such as gummies, chocolate and beverages.
- CBD vape products: Products designed for inhalation, such as CBD e-liquids and vape pens.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, balms, ointments and lotions with CBD for use on the skin.
Any product that contains CBD, whether oil, capsule, edible, vape liquid or cosmetic, may be relevant to CBD law in Pakistan.
Is CBD legal in Pakistan?
The CBD sector has grown worldwide, and CBD has also attracted some attention in Pakistan. However, CBD legality in Pakistan remains legally sensitive and is closely linked to the country’s strict rules on cannabis and narcotic substances.
CBD law in Pakistan
Pakistan’s main drug law, the Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997, strictly regulates cannabis and related substances. It prohibits the possession, sale and use of cannabis.
The law does not specifically mention CBD. However, because CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, it is generally assumed that it falls under the overall ban on cannabis and cannabis derivatives.
- No explicit CBD legislation: There is no separate law that regulates CBD on its own.
- Likely treated as cannabis: In practice, CBD is likely to be treated as part of the wider cannabis prohibition.
- Strict enforcement possible: Violations of narcotics law in Pakistan can lead to severe penalties.
CBD is not named in Pakistani law, but as a cannabis derivative it is likely to be treated as illegal under the general cannabis ban.
Medical use of CBD in Pakistan
In some countries, CBD is allowed for certain medical conditions under tightly controlled schemes. At present, Pakistan does not have such a framework.
There are currently:
- no specific legal provisions that authorise CBD for medical use
- no formal exemption for prescription CBD medicines
- no clear pathway for patients to legally access CBD products
This means that, under current law, medical use of CBD in Pakistan does not have a recognised legal exemption from the cannabis prohibition.
Can you bring CBD to Pakistan?
CBD travel rules for Pakistan are very strict in practice, because of the country’s broader laws on cannabis and narcotic substances.
Bringing CBD into Pakistan is likely to be regarded as importing an illegal cannabis-derived product, even if the CBD product:
- comes from a country where CBD is legal
- has low or no THC
- is for personal or medical use
Importing or travelling with CBD to Pakistan may therefore involve a high level of legal risk and could result in serious penalties.
Travelling with CBD into Pakistan, even in small personal quantities, is likely to be treated as illegal and may lead to severe consequences.
Buying CBD in Pakistan
Because CBD is likely to fall under the general prohibition on cannabis, buying CBD in Pakistan is also likely to be illegal.
This applies to:
- purchasing CBD products in local shops or pharmacies
- ordering CBD online for delivery to an address in Pakistan
- receiving CBD products shipped from abroad
Anyone considering buying CBD in Pakistan would need to check the most up-to-date local laws and regulations with a qualified professional. Current rules suggest a high legal risk.
The legal situation in neighbouring countries
Conclusion: CBD legality in Pakistan
In summary, the legal status of CBD in Pakistan is restrictive and closely tied to the country’s strict cannabis laws. The Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997 prohibits cannabis, and CBD, as a cannabis derivative, is likely to fall under this ban. There are no clear exemptions for medical CBD use.
Bringing CBD into Pakistan, or buying CBD within Pakistan, is therefore likely to be considered illegal and may lead to severe penalties. Anyone travelling to or living in Pakistan should approach CBD products with great caution and seek detailed, up-to-date information on local law before considering use, purchase or transport.