United Arab Emirates adopts comprehensive legal framework for industrial hemp

The United Arab Emirates have published a federal decree-law regulating the industrial and medical uses of hemp, officially creating a new, tightly controlled economic sector.

Announced on December 18, 2025, this legislation aims to bring the country into line with international best practice, while paving the way for industrial, pharmaceutical and scientific applications, without changing the country's strict stance on recreational use.

As part of the United Arab Emirates' broader strategy to promote sustainable economic development, the decree-law authorizes the use of industrial hemp in a number of sectors, including textile, the construction, the paper, l’packaging and the manufacture of authorized medical products.

Strict separation between industrial use and prohibited consumption

The decree-law draws a clear red line: the personal or recreational use of hemp is explicitly prohibited. This ban extends to food products, dietary supplements, veterinary products, smoking products and any other category determined by decision of the Council of Ministers. Cosmetic products containing industrial hemp are also banned, with a few exceptions limited to oils extracted from hemp seeds or stalks, subject to additional regulatory authorization.

Any compound capable of producing a narcotic or psychoactive effect is covered by existing criminal, narcotics and penalty laws.

THC licensing, cultivation and thresholds

All activities related to industrial hemp, The import, export, cultivation, manufacture, transport and disposal of these products are subject to licensing and supervision, even in free trade zones. Cultivation is permitted only in secure, fenced, guarded and isolated areas, designated by local authorities and approved at federal level.

Hemp will be limited to 0.3% of THC. Licensed growers must carry out periodic tests throughout the production cycle and immediately report any excess to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, local authorities and the’National Drug Control Authority.

Only approved agricultural enterprises may import seed, and only from approved industrial hemp varieties listed in the implementing regulations. Cultivation without a license, outside approved areas or in excess of authorized quantities is punishable by criminal penalties.

Manufacturing, trading and national monitoring

The decree-law also lays down detailed rules for the manufacture of hemp-derived products. Manufacturers must obtain authorization from local authorities and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technologies, We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service, implementing accredited quality management systems and operating in clearly segregated production areas for raw materials, processing, packaging, storage and waste.

The import or export of hemp-based products requires additional authorization from the Department of Foreign Trade, and safety clearances issued by the relevant local authorities. All authorized products must bear clear labeling, including authorization details, compound concentration, indications for use, contraindications and potential harmful effects.

To ensure comprehensive monitoring, the law requires the creation of a national traceability system covering seeds, seedlings and finished products. This system will be complemented by a unified electronic register managed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, accessible to designated federal and local authorities.

For the first time, the United Arab Emirates have officially authorized the use of hemp in medical products, provided they are regulated by existing pharmaceutical laws. Scientific research involving hemp seeds, seedlings or products is also permitted, but only under the strict control defined in the implementing regulations to avoid misappropriation or misuse.

The decree-law introduces a rigorous enforcement regime. Offenses such as unauthorized activities, misuse outside authorized purposes, transfer to unauthorized parties or exceeding THC limits can result in a prison sentence of at least three months and fines from 100,000 AED (25,000 euros), without prejudice to more severe penalties under other laws.