Iran Returns to Opium Culture After Four Decades of Firm Prohibition

Since its opioid supply was disrupted by the repression led by the Taliban in Afghanistan, Iran has decided to return to poppy cultivation for therapeutic purposes, as it did during the Shah’s time. The production of opium-based medicines in Iran had declined significantly due to strict prohibitions for over forty years. However, with the recent legalization of poppy cultivation for medical uses, the country aims to enhance its pharmaceutical industry. This shift marks a significant change in Iran’s drug policies, moving towards utilizing opium for beneficial purposes under strict regulatory control.