Research:2026-06-24/Journal article/from-prohibition-to-regulation-socio-economic-determinants-of-cannabis-production-in-orakzai-district-khyber-p

ResearchJournal article24 June 2026

From Prohibition to Regulation: Socio-Economic Determinants of Cannabis Production in Orakzai District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Shahid Sharif, Farhat Ullah

Review of Crime, Peace and Society

An interview study of cannabis production in Orakzai District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the authors say cultivation has been the backbone of the rural economy for decades despite prohibition. Sixteen farmers, agricultural labourers, tribal elders, health professionals, policymakers and law enforcement officials were interviewed about socio-economic factors, barriers to legal alternatives and perceptions of government support, against the background of the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Act 2024 and the KP Cannabis Cultivation Rules 2025. Three themes emerged: cultivation as a rational livelihood strategy, structural constraints on legal crops and institutional uncertainty. The authors conclude that legal reform alone will not reduce illicit cultivation without access to licensing, rural infrastructure, livelihood support and community engagement.

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DOI10.71261/rcps/4.2.133

CountryPakistan

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2026-06-24 2026-10-15 From Prohibition to Regulation: Socio-Economic Determinants of Cannabis Production in Orakzai District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Journal article Policy and law Shahid Sharif, Farhat Ullah Review of Crime, Peace and Society 2026 10.71261/rcps/4.2.133 https://doi.org/10.71261/rcps/4.2.133 An interview study of cannabis production in Orakzai District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the authors say cultivation has been the backbone of the rural economy for decades despite prohibition. Sixteen farmers, agricultural labourers, tribal elders, health professionals, policymakers and law enforcement officials were interviewed about socio-economic factors, barriers to legal alternatives and perceptions of government support, against the background of the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Act 2024 and the KP Cannabis Cultivation Rules 2025. Three themes emerged: cultivation as a rational livelihood strategy, structural constraints on legal crops and institutional uncertainty. The authors conclude that legal reform alone will not reduce illicit cultivation without access to licensing, rural infrastructure, livelihood support and community engagement. Pakistan