Abu dhabi: The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree-Law to regulate the industrial and medical uses of industrial hemp, marking the establishment of a new economic sector. This initiative aims to align with international best practices to support sustainable economic development, enabling the use of industrial hemp in several industries such as textiles, construction, paper and packaging, and legally authorized medical products.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Decree-Law strictly prohibits the personal or recreational use of industrial hemp. This includes restrictions on the import, manufacture, or use of industrial hemp products related to food, dietary supplements, veterinary products, and smoking products, or any other products specified by Cabinet decision. It also limits the import, manufacture, or use of cosmetic products containing industrial hemp, with exceptions for those containing oils extracted from industrial hemp seeds or stalks.
The Decree-Law extends to all activities related to industrial hemp within the UAE, including free zones. It encompasses the import and export of industrial hemp seeds, their cultivation in monitored areas, transportation, and the manufacturing and trading of hemp-derived products, as permitted by the Decree-Law. Each emirate is granted the authority to prohibit or restrict any industrial hemp-related activity within its jurisdiction, with penalties applicable as per narcotics control and other relevant legislation.
For the first time, the Decree-Law allows the use of industrial hemp in medical products, subject to regulation under the Law on Medical Products, Pharmacy Profession, and Pharmaceutical Establishments. Licenses from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment are required for the import and export of industrial hemp seeds, with conditions including security clearance and adherence to THC level limits.
The Decree-Law specifies that cultivation is prohibited without a license, and designated cultivation zones must meet stringent security and monitoring requirements. The law also outlines the disposal, transport, and manufacturing regulations for industrial hemp, requiring licenses and adherence to product standards. Manufacturers must ensure THC levels do not exceed 0.3 percent and conduct periodic testing of products.
Import and export of industrial hemp products also require a license and prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Additionally, the Decree-Law mandates clear labeling of hemp products and allows for their use in scientific research under strict controls.
The law imposes strict penalties for violations, including imprisonment and fines, for unauthorized activities, misuse, or non-compliance with regulations. A National Tracking System and a unified electronic registry will be established for oversight and data management.
The Decree-Law outlines the supervisory role of licensing authorities and provides powers to the National Anti-Narcotics Authority and local law enforcement for monitoring and compliance checks. Administrative and criminal penalties are defined for various violations, ensuring strict adherence to the regulations set forth in the Decree-Law.