UAE Legalizes Medical Industrial Hemp & CBD Use
The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant legislative step by permitting the medical use of industrial hemp for the first time. A federal decree issued on Thursday authorizes the use of hemp—a variety of the cannabis plant containing low levels of the psychoactive compound THC—within the health sector, as well as in industries such as textiles, construction, and packaging. The government hailed this move as a catalyst for establishing a new economic sector and paving the way for a “promising market.”
Under the new law, industrial hemp can be utilized in medical products that contain hemp compounds or raw materials derived from the plant. Hemp and its natural compounds, particularly Cannabidiol (CBD), are globally recognized for their potential in treating various conditions, including skin issues, pain, inflammation, and epilepsy. Beyond medicine, the plant’s versatility extends to insulation materials for construction and sustainable textile production.
However, the decree maintains the UAE’s stringent stance against illicit drugs. It explicitly prohibits the personal or recreational use of hemp. Furthermore, the law bars the import, manufacture, and use of hemp products in dietary supplements, food, veterinary items, and smoking products. Cosmetic products containing hemp are also banned, with specific exceptions for those containing oils extracted from hemp seeds or stalks, subject to Cabinet approval.
To ensure strict regulation, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will oversee the licensing for the import and export of industrial hemp seeds. Applicants must be licensed agricultural companies using approved seed varieties. Cultivation is restricted to designated, secure zones monitored by local authorities and isolated from residential areas. Licensed manufacturers are strictly prohibited from using any materials that might raise the THC concentration above the legal limit of 0.3 percent, with periodic testing mandated to ensure compliance. Workers in these cultivation zones will also require security clearances, underscoring the controlled nature of this new industry.
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