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Despite the cannabis plant having been grown for generations and Afghanistan being the world’s top grower, marijuana is illegal there.
The cultivation and consumption of cannabis have been outlawed since the 1970s, when many regimes have held power in Afghanistan, from the monarchy’s downfall to the current Taliban leadership, and violators have been warned that they will face harsh penalties.
Cannabis Is Against the Law
Afghanistan forbids the possession, sale, and use of cannabis.
Anyone found in possession of cannabis seeds, cannabis resin, or other goods is subject to a three-month jail sentence as well as fines under the Counter Narcotics Drug Law.
Larger amounts result in harsher sentences. Someone who is diagnosed as having a cannabis addiction may be required to receive treatment at a drug rehab facility.
Can you sell cannabis in Afghanistan?
According to the legislation, selling, importing, or exporting marijuana is illegal in Afghanistan. Depending on how much the offender is found with, the sentence might be as severe as:
Less than 250 grams: A three-month maximum prison term and a $5,000–10,000 AFN fine
500 grams to 250 grams: A fine of 10,000 to 50,000 AFN and three to six months in jail are the possible penalties.
500 grams to one kilogram: A punishment of six to twelve months in jail and a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 AFN.
Around one to five kilograms: One to three years in prison and a 100,000–500,000 AFN
Around 5 to 10 kilograms: Five to ten years in prison and a fine of 500,000 to 1 million AFN are the possible penalties.
However, cannabis traffickers are not significantly discouraged by these severe terms. Afghanistan was named the world’s top source of narcotics by the UN in 2010. Afghanistan’s yields are higher even though Morocco technically grows more cannabis on a greater scale. The nation was estimated to produce between 1,500 and 3,500 tons annually at that time.
Afghan hash has a sizable market in Europe; the majority of it enters the continent through Albania or southwest Asia.
Can you grow cannabis in Afghanistan?
Cannabis cultivation is prohibited in Afghanistan. The only exception to this rule is if a business or entity is authorized to grow the plant for research or medical use.
The grower is required to destroy the crops if they are discovered to be unlawfully growing cannabis. The consequences of doing otherwise are legal penalties. These penalties include:
Under one jerib (2,000 square meters) of cultivation: 5,000 to 20,000 AFN in fines and three to nine months in jail
Over one jerib: For each additional jerib grown, there will be an additional 15 days in jail and a 2,500 AFN fine.
Despite being prohibited, cannabis is widely grown all over the nation. According to one source, it is reportedly grown extensively in half of Afghanistan’s regions. Before 2008, farmers concentrated primarily on producing opium, but there has been a discernible shift towards cannabis growing because of the lower risk. Additionally, it costs less to grow and produces a better net revenue.
Can cannabis seeds be sent to Afghanistan?
Cannabis seeds aren’t directly included in the Counter Narcotics Drug Law, unlike poppy seeds, which are. As a result, the legislation is quite unclear when it comes to using, selling, and purchasing seeds. Although it may be theoretically acceptable to acquire and use them in Afghanistan, it is not advised to mail them.
Conclusion
It appears unlikely that the government of Afghanistan will ever approve the personal or medical use of cannabis. However, despite legal restrictions, farmers still grow the herb, which is extensively consumed underground.
Although Afghan hashish is thought to be among the highest-quality marijuana in the world, it is advisable to stay away from the drug if you are visiting or living in Afghanistan.
