Taliban “Bans” Cannabis Cultivation

The Emir of the Taliban, Haibatullah Akhundzada, has released a decree completely banning the cultivation of cannabis in Afghanistan, stating that violators will have their crops destroyed and be punished under Sharia law. In April, 2022, Akhundzada also banned the cultivation of opium to curb production of narcotics in the country, as well as banning any drug use. Similar to their rule in 2000, the Taliban has been facing increasing pressure from the international community to curb the production of narcotics in an attempt to appear as a more legitimate power.