Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Pakistan law
Cannabis laws in Karachi follow Pakistan’s national law. For travelers, the jurisdiction’s law is the controlling standard—cities usually don’t define cannabis legality.
Cannabis is illegal for recreational and personal use. Provisions exist for controlled medical and industrial production, but no patient access program is established. Violations can result in severe penalties.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Not available
- Possession: Illegal with severe penalties
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: Subject to the same laws as residents
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
Hash was illegal, though people around me in Karachi talked about police bribes like they were just part of life. Figures ranged from US$5–6 to PKR 200–500, then about US$4–9. Some cops seemed sketchy even after a smile and a handshake. The way people joked about getting out of trouble in a minute made it sound easier than it was.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Chandni Chowk was one name I heard, though asking openly went down badly. Behind Pyala Hotel, I heard hash was cheap and people sold it out in the open. Others swore there was no public spot at all and pointed to the truck drivers in Shiri-Jinnah Colony or the hotel taxi driver.
On Zamzama Boulevard, the younger crowd in their smart Civics and Corollas could be surprisingly friendly. To hear the talk there, nearly 70% of Pakistan smoked, and in that crowd it was practically 100%. The running joke was that if all else failed you could ask a sketchy-looking cop.
Mostly indicas, good kush and very little hydro. The hash was worth trying. Garda could come soft and powdery. I saw people take about a gram, add a drop or two of water and rub it between thumb and palm until it became black and pliable. Sheerah was another name I heard.
Marijuana Prices
A rod of hash was about PKR 120 (then US$2), or PKR 100 (about US$1.70) with some bargaining. Five hundred rupees bought a good amount of high-quality Garda, enough for “40 joints+” by the estimate I heard.