Can Residents Use Hemp Products UAE?

Understanding the Question in Today’s Context

A very common question people living in the country ask today is: can residents use hemp products UAE?

With global awareness around hemp increasing and new regulations introduced in the UAE, it’s natural for residents to assume that hemp products might now be freely available. However, the reality is more nuanced.

The UAE introduced Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025, which came into effect in early 2026. While this law created a legal framework for hemp, it did not open hemp for general consumer use. Understanding this distinction is essential for residents.

What the New UAE Hemp Law Actually Means

The new law allows hemp only within strictly regulated environments, primarily focused on industrial and pharmaceutical sectors.

This means hemp is permitted for:

• Industrial manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical applications
• Scientific research

However, this is not a consumer-facing law. It does not allow residents to freely buy, use, or order hemp-based wellness products.

The UAE’s approach is to build a controlled, licensed hemp ecosystem, rather than a retail market.

What Residents Cannot Use

Even after the new law, residents in the UAE are not allowed to use hemp products that contain cannabis-derived compounds.

This includes:

• CBD oils and hemp extracts
• THC products of any kind
• Hemp edibles or beverages
• Hemp supplements
• Cannabis-based wellness products

These products remain illegal under UAE narcotics laws, regardless of whether they are legal in other countries.

This is one of the most important points that is often misunderstood.

What Residents May Use

For those asking can residents use hemp products in the UAE, there are some limited categories that are generally acceptable.

Residents can use:

• Hemp clothing
• Hemp bags and accessories
• Hemp fabric and textile-based products
• Hemp-based home materials

These products are made from hemp fiber and do not contain THC or cannabis extracts. Because of this, they are treated as standard material goods rather than controlled substances.

Medical Use: Highly Controlled Access

The new law also allows certain cannabinoid-based medicines, but only under strict pharmaceutical control.

These medicines must be:

• Approved by UAE health authorities
• Prescribed by a licensed doctor
• Dispensed through licensed pharmacies

This is not the same as buying CBD products or wellness oils. These are regulated medicines, not consumer products.

Why Hemp Is Still Restricted for Residents

Although hemp is now regulated, the UAE’s system is designed for B2B industries, not personal consumption.

The focus is on:

• Industrial materials (textiles, construction, manufacturing)
• Pharmaceutical production
• Controlled research

There is currently no open retail market for hemp-based wellness or lifestyle consumption products.

Important Advice for Residents

Residents should be careful when dealing with hemp-related products.

Avoid:

• Ordering hemp wellness products online
• Carrying CBD products into the UAE
• Using any cannabis-derived substances

Even small misunderstandings can lead to serious legal issues due to strict enforcement.

Final Thoughts

So, can residents use hemp products UAE?

• Yes, but only hemp products made from fiber such as clothing, bags, and textiles
• No, for CBD products, THC items, or hemp-based wellness products
• Limited access, only for approved medical cannabinoid drugs under prescription

The new UAE hemp law does not legalize consumer use—it creates a controlled industrial and pharmaceutical framework.

Understanding this difference is key to staying compliant and informed while living in the UAE.