UAE Government issues Federal Decree-Law regulating industrial, medical uses of industrial hemp

OG article by KN

December 22, 2025

The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree-Law to regulate the industrial and medical uses of industrial hemp, establishing a new economic sector for sustainable development. This enables applications in textiles, construction, paper, packaging, and authorized medical products, while aligning with international best practices.

The Decree-Law strictly prohibits personal, recreational, or unauthorized uses of industrial hemp, including in food products, dietary supplements, veterinary products, smoking products, and cosmetic products containing hemp, except for oils from seeds or stalks as specified by Cabinet decision. Compounds producing narcotic or psychoactive effects are subject to narcotics laws and penalties.

All activities related to industrial hemp within the UAE, including free zones, are regulated. This covers import and export of hemp seeds, cultivation in secured, monitored areas, transportation, disposal, manufacturing, trading, and export of hemp-derived products as permitted. Each emirate may impose additional restrictions, with violations subject to criminal penalties under relevant laws.

For the first time, the Decree-Law allows hemp use in medical products under the Law on Medical Products, Pharmacy Profession, and Pharmaceutical Establishments. Licensing requirements include approvals from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment for seed import/export, necessitating applicants to be licensed agricultural companies using approved varieties for designated areas.

Cultivation demands a license from the Ministry, local permits, and security clearance from the National Anti-Narcotics Authority. It must occur in fenced, isolated zones with THC levels not exceeding 0.3%, enforced through periodic testing and reporting of exceedances.

Manufacturing requires local authority licenses post-approval from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, involving quality systems, separate facility zones, and THC compliance. Import/export needs commercial licenses and security clearances.

Obligations include labeling with product details, maintaining records for five years, and prohibiting subcontracting or false information. A National Tracking System and electronic registry are mandated for oversight.

Supervision involves licensing authorities, the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, and law enforcement for inspections. Violations incur administrative penalties and criminal sanctions, such as imprisonment of at least three months and fines of at least AED100,000, for unlicensed activities, misuse, or non-compliance.