The UAE now has a formal legal definition for industrial hemp. That is a major shift because hemp is no longer being discussed only as a general plant, fibre, oil, or wellness ingredient. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025, it is defined through a specific legal and scientific threshold.
For anyone dealing with hemp products in the UAE, the key question is simple: does the product legally qualify as industrial hemp, or does it fall outside that category?
The answer depends mainly on one thing: Total THC must not exceed 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Industrial Hemp Definition UAE
Under UAE law, industrial hemp means Cannabis Sativa, including any part of the plant and any derivative or extract, where the Total THC concentration in the flowering heads and leaves does not exceed 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
The law also says that when Total THC is calculated, the potential conversion of THCa into Delta-9 THC must be taken into account. This makes lab testing and proper documentation essential.
| Legal point | What it means |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Cannabis Sativa |
| Covered material | Plant, flowers, seeds, derivatives, and extracts |
| THC limit | Not more than 0.3% Total THC |
| Testing basis | Dry weight basis |
| Testing focus | Flowering heads and leaves |
| THCa | Must be considered when calculating Total THC |
The Exact Legal Definition
Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 defines industrial hemp as:
“Any type of the Cannabis Sativa plant, and any part thereof, such as the plant, flowers, or seeds, or any of its derivatives or extracts, whether growing or not, in which the total concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (Total THC) in the flowering heads and leaves does not exceed (0.3%) on a dry weight basis.”
The same definition also states that the potential conversion of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCa, into Delta-9 THC must be considered according to the analysis and calculation mechanism specified in the Executive Regulations.
This is the foundation of the UAE’s industrial hemp framework.
What Each Part of the Definition Means
1. “Any Type of the Cannabis Sativa Plant”
The law specifically refers to Cannabis Sativa. This matters because hemp is not legally defined by how it looks, smells, feels, or is marketed. It is defined by the plant category and its chemical profile.
So, a product cannot be treated as legally compliant industrial hemp just because the label says “hemp.” It must fall within the legal definition and meet the required THC threshold.
2. “Any Part Thereof”
The UAE definition is broad. It covers the plant and its parts, including:
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Seeds
- Stalks
- Extracts
- Oils
- Derivatives
- Finished hemp-derived products
This means the law does not only apply to raw hemp plants. It can also apply to processed materials and products made from Cannabis Sativa.
However, this does not mean every hemp-derived product is automatically allowed for sale or personal use in the UAE. Product category rules, licensing requirements, import permissions, and local authority approvals may still apply.
3. “Derivatives or Extracts”
This phrase is important because many consumer products are not sold as raw hemp. They may appear as oils, fibres, cosmetics, textiles, extracts, or other processed goods.
The law’s wording means that hemp derivatives and extracts can still fall within the industrial hemp framework, provided they meet the legal THC requirement and all other applicable rules.
This is especially important for businesses importing, manufacturing, or distributing hemp-based products in the UAE.
4. “Whether Growing or Not”
The definition applies to both living and processed hemp material.
That means the legal standard can apply at different stages:
- Cultivation
- Harvesting
- Storage
- Transport
- Manufacturing
- Import
- Export
- Circulation of products
The decree also requires licensed cultivators to conduct periodic testing during the production chain from cultivation to post-harvest, and to notify the Ministry, the local authority, and the National Anti-Narcotics Authority if THC exceeds 0.3%.
The 0.3% Total THC Rule
The most important part of the UAE industrial hemp definition is the 0.3% Total THC limit.
If the Total THC concentration exceeds 0.3%, the material does not qualify as industrial hemp under this decree. Article 2 states that cannabis with THC concentration above 0.3% is subject to Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 on narcotics and psychotropic substances.
This means 0.3% is not a casual guideline. It is the legal dividing line.
Total THC Is Not the Same as Delta-9 THC Alone
A major detail in the UAE definition is that it refers to Total THC, not only Delta-9 THC.
The decree specifically mentions that THCa conversion into Delta-9 THC must be considered when calculating the total percentage.
This matters because some foreign certificates of analysis may focus on Delta-9 THC only. For UAE compliance, businesses should not assume that a product tested abroad automatically meets UAE requirements unless the testing method aligns with UAE rules.
Why Flowering Heads and Leaves Matter
The UAE definition says THC concentration is measured in the flowering heads and leaves.
This is important because cannabinoids are usually more concentrated in the flowering parts of the cannabis plant than in seeds or stalks. For legal classification, the UAE focuses on the parts of the plant where THC risk is most relevant.
This does not mean seeds, stalks, or seed oils are completely outside regulation. It means they may have a different risk profile and may be treated differently depending on the product category and applicable approvals.
Industrial Hemp vs Cannabis Under UAE Law
The law defines industrial hemp and cannabis differently.
Industrial hemp is Cannabis Sativa that stays within the 0.3% Total THC limit. Cannabis, under the definition section, refers to the flowering or fruiting tops of the Cannabis plant, excluding seeds and leaves not accompanied by the tops, linked to cannabis resin.
The practical difference is this:
| Category | UAE legal treatment |
|---|---|
| Industrial hemp | Regulated under Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 if it meets the definition and licensing rules |
| Cannabis above 0.3% THC | Subject to the UAE narcotics framework |
| Seeds/stalk-derived materials | May have lower cannabinoid risk but are still subject to applicable product and licensing rules |
Does the Definition Make All Hemp Products Legal?
No. This is one of the biggest points to understand.
A product may meet the industrial hemp definition and still be restricted, prohibited, or require licensing depending on its category.
Article 2 of the decree lists several industrial hemp product categories that are prohibited to import or manufacture, including food products, food supplements, veterinary products, smoking products, and certain cosmetic products, with specific exceptions and conditions.
For example:
- Hemp food products are generally prohibited, except for a narrow exception for roasted or processed non-viable hemp seeds.
- Food supplements are prohibited.
- Cosmetics have specific restrictions and may only be allowed under limited conditions, such as products containing oils extracted from seeds or stems and meeting strict THC/cannabinoid requirements.
- Medical products involving industrial hemp compounds are regulated separately under the medical products framework.
So the definition answers one question: what legally counts as industrial hemp?
It does not automatically answer another question: can this product be imported, sold, manufactured, advertised, or personally used in the UAE?
Those questions depend on product category, licensing, approvals, and regulatory implementation.
Who Needs to Understand This Definition?
Importers
Importers need to confirm that any hemp product entering the UAE meets the industrial hemp definition and is allowed under the relevant product category rules.
For industrial hemp products, Article 11 requires an import permit and a certificate from laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology confirming that THC concentration does not exceed 0.3% in the products intended for import.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers must be especially careful because processing can affect cannabinoid concentration.
Article 9 states that manufacturing industrial hemp products requires a licence from the concerned local authority after approval from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. It also prohibits increasing THC concentration above 0.3% during conversion or manufacturing.
Licensed manufacturers must also conduct periodic tests on raw materials and final products to ensure THC does not exceed 0.3%.
Cultivators
Cultivators must treat the definition as an ongoing compliance requirement, not a one-time test.
The decree requires licensed cultivators to use approved varieties, cultivate only in designated licensed areas, comply with periodic testing during the production chain, and report if THC exceeds 0.3% at any stage.
Consumers
For consumers, the practical lesson is simple: a “hemp” label is not enough.
A product’s legality depends on what it contains, what part of the plant it comes from, whether it has been tested, whether it fits an allowed product category, and whether it entered the UAE through the correct legal route.
Consumers should be especially cautious with products labelled as:
- CBD oil
- Hemp extract
- Full-spectrum hemp
- Hemp gummies
- Hemp supplements
- Cannabis Sativa extract
These terms may indicate cannabinoid-containing products, which are treated very differently from basic seed or fibre-derived hemp products.
Common Misconceptions About Industrial Hemp in the UAE
Misconception 1: If the label says hemp, it is legal
Not necessarily. UAE law does not rely on marketing language. The product must meet the legal definition, including the 0.3% Total THC requirement, and comply with the relevant product category rules.
Misconception 2: If it is legal abroad, it is legal in the UAE
Not necessarily. A product that is legal in another country may not meet UAE requirements. UAE law requires Total THC to be considered, including THCa conversion, according to the applicable testing mechanism.
Misconception 3: Hemp seed oil and hemp extract are the same
No. Hemp seed oil usually comes from seeds, while hemp extract may come from cannabinoid-rich plant parts such as flowers or leaves. This distinction matters in UAE compliance and product classification.
Misconception 4: Free zones are exempt
No. Article 2 states that the decree applies to industrial hemp activities practiced in the UAE, including free zones.
Misconception 5: Once a crop qualifies as hemp, it always stays hemp
Not necessarily. THC levels can vary during cultivation. That is why the law requires periodic testing from cultivation to post-harvest for licensed cultivation activities.
Conclusion
The industrial hemp definition UAE is built around a strict legal formula:
Cannabis Sativa + any part, derivative, or extract + Total THC not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis + THCa conversion considered.
That definition is the starting point for the UAE’s hemp framework. But it is not the whole compliance picture.
To be legally handled, imported, manufactured, circulated, or sold in the UAE, a hemp product must also meet product category rules, licensing requirements, testing standards, documentation requirements, and any restrictions imposed by federal or local authorities.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. UAE hemp regulation is technical and may be further shaped by Executive Regulations, Cabinet decisions, local authority rules, and product-specific approvals. Businesses and individuals should seek advice from qualified UAE legal and regulatory professionals before importing, manufacturing, selling, carrying, or using any hemp-related product.
What is the legal definition of industrial hemp in the UAE?
Industrial hemp in the UAE means Cannabis Sativa, including any part, derivative, or extract, where Total THC in the flowering heads and leaves does not exceed 0.3% on a dry weight basis. The law also requires THCa conversion into Delta-9 THC to be considered.
What is the THC limit for industrial hemp in the UAE?
The THC limit is 0.3% Total THC on a dry weight basis. Products or materials above this threshold do not qualify as industrial hemp under Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025.
Does the UAE measure Delta-9 THC or Total THC?
The UAE definition refers to Total THC. It also states that the potential conversion of THCa into Delta-9 THC must be considered.
Are hemp seeds included in the UAE industrial hemp definition?
Yes. The definition includes Cannabis Sativa and any part of it, including seeds. However, seeds may be treated differently from flowering or fruiting tops depending on the product category and legal context.
Does industrial hemp mean CBD is legal in the UAE?
No. Industrial hemp and CBD are not the same legal question. A hemp-derived product may still be restricted or prohibited depending on whether it contains cannabinoids, how it is classified, and whether it has the required approvals.
Does the UAE industrial hemp law apply in free zones?
Yes. The decree applies to industrial hemp activities in the UAE, including free zones.
Can hemp products be imported into the UAE?
Only if the product category is permitted and the importer has the required licence, import permit, approvals, documentation, and lab certification showing the THC concentration does not exceed 0.3%.
External Source
https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/3886/download
https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/1540/download
https://moiat.gov.ae/en/services/accreditation-of-conformity-assessment-bodies
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