Abu Dhabi, December 18 / WAM / The UAE government has issued a federal decree regulating the industrial and medical uses of industrial hemp, supporting sustainable economic development by organizing a new economic sector and promising market according to best global practices. It can be used in manufacturing clothing, textiles, paper, construction industries, as well as producing legally permitted medical products.

Prohibited and criminally punishable uses of industrial hemp.

The decree prohibits the personal or recreational use of industrial hemp, including the import, manufacture, or use of industrial hemp products related to food items, dietary supplements, veterinary products, smoking products, and any other products specified by a Cabinet decision. It also prohibits the import, manufacture, or use of cosmetic products containing industrial hemp, except those containing oils extracted from industrial hemp seeds or stems, or other exceptions determined by a Cabinet decision. It also stipulates that any compounds that may produce a direct or indirect narcotic effect will be subject to the provisions of this decree and the provisions of laws on crimes, penalties, and combating narcotics, and any other relevant laws.

Regulation of activities related to industrial hemp.

Considering the prohibited and criminal uses of industrial hemp, the decree applies to activities related to industrial hemp carried out in the country, including free zones. These activities include importing and exporting industrial hemp seeds, cultivating it in fenced, monitored, and protected areas, transporting and disposing of its seeds and seedlings, and manufacturing, importing, exporting, and trading its legally permitted products. The decree also grants each emirate, according to its applicable legislation and regulations, the authority to prohibit or restrict all or some industrial hemp activities. In such cases, the provisions of laws on crimes, penalties, and combating narcotics, and any other relevant laws apply.

The decree allows, for the first time, the use of industrial hemp in medical products containing industrial hemp compounds or raw materials extracted from it, provided that it is regulated according to the Medical Products and Pharmacy Profession and Pharmaceutical Establishments Law.

Controls on importing and exporting industrial hemp.

The decree sets controls for engaging in the import and export of industrial hemp seeds, including the mandatory requirement to obtain a license from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment according to specific controls and conditions, in addition to obtaining the necessary licenses from the relevant local authority in the emirate. Key controls and conditions include: the license applicant must be a licensed agricultural company; the seeds must be of industrial hemp varieties intended for import or export that are on the list of approved varieties in the executive regulations of the law; and the imported seeds must be used solely for cultivation in areas designated by the relevant local authority and within licensed areas.

Controls on cultivating industrial hemp.

The decree prohibits engaging in industrial hemp cultivation without obtaining a license from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment according to specific controls and conditions, and after obtaining the necessary licenses from the relevant local authority in the emirate. Key controls and conditions include: the mandatory requirement to obtain security approval from a committee under the National Narcotics Control Authority. The decree also sets obligations on licensees for industrial hemp cultivation, most notably: adhering to cultivation in areas designated by the relevant local authority, within the licensed areas and quantity limits; conducting periodic tests and the number of samples specified in the executive regulations throughout the production chain from cultivation to post-harvest to ensure that the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does not exceed 0.3%; and notifying the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the relevant local authority, and the National Narcotics Control Authority if this percentage is exceeded at any stage of the production chain to initiate precautionary measures.

The decree also regulates the controls and conditions for the relevant local authority to designate areas for industrial hemp cultivation. Key conditions include: the designated areas must be away from residential and other agricultural areas; they must be fenced, monitored, and protected from unauthorized access, with workers in these areas subject to security approvals and permits; and these areas must be clearly identified as restricted agricultural areas meeting the security conditions and controls set by the Industrial Hemp Cultivation Licensing Committee chaired by the National Narcotics Control Authority, in addition to any other requirements set by the relevant local authority.

The decree prohibits licensees of industrial hemp cultivation from scattering seeds or planting seedlings of industrial hemp in natural habitats and reserves.

The decree regulates the disposal of industrial hemp seeds and seedlings through contracts concluded after approval from the licensing authority and the relevant local authority. It prohibits the disposal of industrial hemp seeds and seedlings to persons not licensed to engage in the activities specified in this decree. The decree also prohibits the transport of industrial hemp seeds and seedlings without obtaining approval from the relevant local authority. If transport involves more than one emirate, approval must be obtained from each relevant local authority in each emirate.

Controls on manufacturing industrial hemp products.

The decree prohibits engaging in the manufacturing of industrial hemp products without obtaining a license from the relevant local authority after the approval of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Key controls and conditions for licensing include: obtaining all necessary permits or licenses from relevant authorities according to current legislation before commencing manufacturing or operations; the industrial hemp products to be manufactured must be on the list of approved products and uses; having an accredited quality management system and an electronic documentation system for each production batch linked to the national tracking system for industrial hemp seeds, seedlings, and products; and having separate areas in the factory for receiving raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, storage, waste, and shipping that comply with technical specifications and standards.