Is CBD legal in Saudi Arabia? – Update 2024

TL;DR

The legal status of CBD, or cannabidiol, a compound derived from the cannabis plant, remains highly restrictive in Saudi Arabia. It is typically illegal to possess, distribute, or use CBD products. Given a global trend towards more relaxed CBD regulations, the strict policy in Saudi Arabia is on the harsher end of the spectrum relative to other countries.

Legal Aspect	Status
Usage	Illegal
Possession	Illegal
Distribution	Illegal

CBD is isolated from hemp, a species of cannabis plant that has a lower THC content – the psychoactive component – compared to marijuana. Despite its therapeutic potential and different properties from THC, the legal framework in Saudi Arabia doesn’t distinguish between different derivatives of cannabis.

Overview of CBD Legislation

Key Terms

• CBD: Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the cannabis plant, often used for therapeutic purposes.
• Hemp vs. Marijuana: Different varieties of the cannabis plant, with hemp containing less THC than marijuana.
• THC content: Tetrahydrocannabinol is the intoxicating compound in cannabis. The THC content in a product plays a significant role in its legal definition.
• Full-spectrum vs. isolate: Full-spectrum CBD includes all compounds from the cannabis plant, while an isolate contains just CBD.

Legal Landscape

Internationally, there is a trend towards lenient CBD legislation, with many countries such as the U.S. and Canada allowing regulated use, while others like China and Singapore observing strict prohibition. Saudi Arabia falls into the latter category, maintaining stringent regulations around all forms of cannabis, including CBD.

Legal Status

In Saudi Arabia, CBD, along with all derivatives of cannabis, is classified as a narcotic under Royal Decree No. M/39. This means they are prohibited for all uses except for a narrow range of permitted medical purposes.

Regulatory Bodies

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SDFA) regulates CBD within Saudi Arabia.

Conditions and Restrictions

Any concession for medical uses involves stringent conditions that must be adhered to, including prescription from a competent authority and quality control measures.

Historical Context

Historically Saudi Arabia has maintained a consistently harsh stance toward all forms of cannabis usage, including hemp and CBD derivatives. The criminalization of cannabis dates back to the country’s establishment and has continued until now, with few signs of policy reform.

Possession, Use, Cultivation and Sales

As per Saudi law on drugs, any level of possession, usage, cultivation, or sale of CBD is considered a crime punishable by hefty fines, long imprisonment terms, and in some egregious cases, death penalty may apply.

Enforcement and Penalties

Saudi Arabia is known for rigid enforcement of its drug trafficking laws, with penalties reaching up to capital punishment in severe cases. Violators of CBD regulations can expect serious consequences, irrespective of whether the violation on question was related to medicinal or recreational use.

Comparative Analysis

Saudi Arabia’s cannabis regulations, including for CBD, are considerably more strict compared to most other countries. Even when compared to other countries in the region, like the UAE, the country’s approach remains uncompromising.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s stringent stance towards the regulation of CBD, like many other cannabis-related policies, highlights the country’s conservative approach to drugs. Reforms are unlikely in the near future given the current perspective of the administration on this issue.

Read about the legal situation in countries around Saudi Arabia

• Kuwait
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates
• Oman
• Yemen
• Iraq

Read about the legal situation surrounding Cannabis in Saudi Arabia

Is Cannabis legal in Saudi Arabia?