The legal framework surrounding cannabis-derived medicines in the UAE changed significantly with the introduction of Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

For the first time, the law officially allows the use of hemp-derived compounds in legally authorized medical products. This represents a major shift in policy, moving certain cannabis-derived substances from a complete prohibition model to a controlled pharmaceutical framework.

However, the law does not legalize cannabis for general or recreational use. Cannabis-derived medicines are still tightly regulated and can only be accessed through authorized healthcare systems.

Controlled Pharmaceutical Status of Medical Cannabis

Under the updated legal framework, cannabis-derived compounds used for medical purposes are treated as controlled pharmaceutical substances.

This means these medicines are regulated by national health authorities, including:

• Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE)
• Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)

Medical cannabis products are not available through retail stores or general consumer markets. Instead, they must pass strict regulatory approvals before they can be used within the UAE healthcare system.

This approach allows the country to recognize the potential medical value of cannabis-derived compounds while maintaining strict control over their distribution.

Industrial Hemp vs Medical THC

The law clearly distinguishes between industrial hemp products and medical cannabis products, primarily based on THC content.

Industrial hemp contains 0.3 percent THC or less and is generally used for industrial purposes such as textiles, construction materials, manufacturing inputs, and certain medical formulations like CBD extraction.

Cannabis products containing more than 0.3 percent THC fall into the category of medical cannabis. These products are considered controlled substances and are handled under strict pharmaceutical regulations.

Because of the higher psychoactive content, medical THC products are subject to significantly stricter controls than industrial hemp materials.

Access to Medical Cannabis in the UAE

Even with the updated legal framework, access to cannabis-based medicines remains highly regulated.

Only licensed physicians working in authorized hospitals or specialized medical facilities are permitted to prescribe cannabis-derived medicines. Patients cannot obtain these medicines through general retail channels.

Once prescribed, these medicines may only be dispensed through licensed pharmacies, often located within hospitals or specialized healthcare institutions.

To prevent misuse, prescriptions involving cannabis-derived medicines are recorded in a national tracking system, allowing authorities to monitor prescriptions, distribution, and patient access.

CBD vs THC Under the New Law

The 2026 legislation primarily opens the door for CBD-based medical products, which are non-psychoactive and widely researched for therapeutic use.

CBD-based medicines may be prescribed under regulated pharmaceutical conditions when approved by health authorities.

High-THC medical products remain extremely restricted. These medicines are typically classified as controlled narcotics and require additional layers of regulatory approval. In most cases, they are only used in highly specialized medical situations, such as severe neurological conditions or advanced pain management.

What This Means for Patients and Businesses

The updated legal framework signals a cautious but important step for cannabis-based medicine in the UAE.

For patients, it means that certain hemp-derived medical products may now be available under strict medical supervision. For researchers and pharmaceutical companies, the law creates a regulated environment for exploring medical applications of hemp-derived compounds, particularly CBD-based medicines.

However, cannabis products remain tightly controlled, and recreational cannabis continues to be strictly prohibited under UAE law.

Final Thoughts

The implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 marks a major shift in the way the UAE regulates hemp and cannabis-derived compounds in the medical field.

While access to these medicines remains limited and highly controlled, the recognition of hemp-derived compounds for medical use reflects broader global developments in medical cannabis research.

As scientific understanding and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, the UAE may further refine its approach to ensure safe and controlled access to cannabis-based pharmaceutical products.