Is Cannabis Legal in Saudi Arabia? 2026 Law Guide
If you are wondering whether cannabis is legal in Saudi Arabia, the short answer is no. Cannabis and cannabis-derived narcotic substances are subject to Saudi Arabia’s controlled-substance regulations, and the country’s official controlled-substance schedules specifically include cannabis, cannabis resin and cannabis extracts.
Saudi Arabia’s regulatory framework is particularly important for residents, visitors, and anyone considering bringing medicines or cannabinoid-containing products into the Kingdom.
This guide explains the current legal position, what the official regulations say, and why products that may be legal in another country should not automatically be assumed to be legal in Saudi Arabia.
Is cannabis legal in Saudi Arabia?
Cannabis is not legally available for recreational use in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) publishes the schedules attached to the Kingdom’s Law of Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The current official schedules identify Cannabis among controlled narcotic substances. They also specifically identify cannabis resin, extracts and tinctures.
The official schedules also list cannabis plants and their seeds among prohibited plants and seeds. The regulation refers to Cannabis sativa and associated names including hashish and marijuana.
Therefore, people should not assume that cannabis is permitted simply because it is legal or regulated in another country.
What does Saudi Arabia classify as cannabis?
Saudi Arabia’s official controlled-substance schedules cover more than the dried cannabis plant.
The current schedule identifies:
- Cannabis
- Cannabis resin
- Cannabis extracts
- Cannabis tinctures
- Cannabis sativa plants
- Cannabis-related materials specified in the applicable schedules
The official Saudi schedules also include delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) through the controlled psychotropic-substance listings.
This is important because products can sometimes be marketed internationally using terms such as “hemp,” “CBD,” “THC-free,” or “natural cannabis.” A product’s marketing description does not by itself determine whether it is permitted to enter or be possessed in Saudi Arabia.
Is marijuana legal in Saudi Arabia?
No. Marijuana is not legal for recreational use in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi government’s controlled-substance schedules specifically refer to cannabis and Cannabis sativa, including names commonly associated with marijuana and hashish.
Consequently, visitors should not treat marijuana as an ordinary consumer product when traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Is hashish legal in Saudi Arabia?
Hashish is not legal for recreational use in Saudi Arabia.
The official Saudi schedules identify cannabis plants and related cannabis terminology, while cannabis resin is separately included among controlled substances.
Because terminology can vary between countries, travelers should focus on the legal status of the substance and its ingredients rather than assuming that a particular product name changes its legal classification.
Is THC legal in Saudi Arabia?
THC should not be treated as a generally legal recreational substance in Saudi Arabia.
The official Saudi controlled-substance schedules include delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and identify cannabis-related substances within the Kingdom’s controlled-substance framework.
This means products containing THC require particular caution. A product being sold legally in another country does not mean that it can legally be imported, possessed, or used in Saudi Arabia.
Is CBD legal in Saudi Arabia?
CBD requires particular attention because products marketed as CBD can contain different ingredients and concentrations.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s official prohibited-ingredients information states that CBD-containing products compounded with any percentage of scheduled substances are included among prohibited ingredients/products.
This means consumers should not assume that a product labeled “CBD” is automatically permitted.
The exact ingredients, formulation, concentration and applicable Saudi regulations matter.
If you are considering bringing a CBD product into Saudi Arabia, check the current requirements with the relevant Saudi authorities before traveling rather than relying solely on the product’s legality in your country of origin.
Can tourists bring cannabis into Saudi Arabia?
Tourists should not bring cannabis or cannabis products into Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s official controlled-substance schedules identify cannabis and related substances as controlled materials.
This is particularly important at airports and border crossings because a product that can legally be purchased in another jurisdiction may still be subject to Saudi import restrictions.
Travelers should also be careful with:
- Cannabis flower
- Hashish or cannabis resin
- THC products
- Cannabis extracts
- Cannabis tinctures
- Cannabis-containing foods or preparations
- Cannabis plants or seeds
- Certain CBD products
The safest approach is to verify the legality of any cannabinoid-containing medicine or product with the appropriate Saudi authority before traveling.
What about medical cannabis?
The legal status of medical cannabis should not be confused with medical cannabis programs in countries such as Canada, Germany, Australia, or parts of the United States.
Saudi Arabia maintains its own controlled-drug framework. Cannabis appears in the country’s controlled-substance schedules, and products containing scheduled substances are regulated under the applicable Saudi framework.
If you use prescription medication that contains a controlled substance, do not assume that a prescription from another country automatically authorizes importation into Saudi Arabia.
Travelers carrying prescription medicines should verify the current Saudi requirements before departure and retain appropriate medical documentation.
What are the penalties for cannabis in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has strict laws concerning narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
However, penalties can depend on factors such as the substance involved, the circumstances of the case, the conduct alleged, and the applicable provisions of the law. It is therefore misleading to give one universal penalty for every cannabis-related situation.
The governing framework is Saudi Arabia’s Law of Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, together with its implementing regulations and controlled-substance schedules. The Saudi Ministry of Justice publishes the law and its implementing regulations, while the Saudi Food and Drug Authority publishes the associated schedules.
Anyone facing an actual legal case should obtain advice from a qualified Saudi legal professional rather than relying on an online article.
Is cannabis legal in Riyadh?
The same national controlled-substance framework applies in Riyadh.
There is no general recreational cannabis market legally authorized by the Saudi government in Riyadh. Cannabis remains subject to Saudi Arabia’s national narcotics regulations.
The same principle applies to other Saudi cities, including:
- Jeddah
- Mecca
- Medina
- Dammam
- Taif
- Abha
A city’s location does not create a separate recreational cannabis law.
Is cannabis legal at Saudi Arabian airports?
Airport and border controls operate under Saudi Arabia’s national laws and regulations.
Travelers should therefore not assume that a cannabis or cannabinoid product is acceptable simply because it passed customs in another country.
Particular caution is appropriate for products containing:
- THC
- Cannabis resin
- Cannabis extracts
- Cannabis-derived ingredients
- Controlled substances
- Certain CBD formulations
Saudi Arabia’s official schedules and prohibited-ingredient information should be checked before traveling.
What about hemp products?
“Hemp” is not automatically a legal exemption.
The word can describe different varieties, ingredients and finished products, and the legal status of a product depends on its actual ingredients and the applicable Saudi regulations.
For example, Saudi Arabia’s official schedules specifically address Cannabis sativa and cannabis-related materials.
Therefore, consumers should not rely solely on packaging that says “hemp” or “hemp-derived.”
Why is it important to check the ingredients?
Cannabis products can contain multiple cannabinoids and other ingredients.
Two products may both be marketed as “CBD products” while having different formulations.
Before bringing any cannabinoid-related product into Saudi Arabia, check:
- The complete ingredient list.
- The concentration of active cannabinoids.
- Whether THC is present.
- Whether the product contains a scheduled substance.
- Whether the product is a prescription medicine.
- Whether Saudi authorities permit its importation.
- Whether additional documentation is required.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s official information is a more reliable source for regulatory questions than a product seller’s description.
Does legalization in another country matter?
Not automatically.
Cannabis laws differ substantially between countries. A person may legally purchase a cannabis product in one country and still be prohibited from importing or possessing it in Saudi Arabia.
This principle applies particularly to travelers.
For example, someone traveling from a country where recreational cannabis is legal should not assume that cannabis remains legal after entering Saudi Arabia.
The applicable law is Saudi law while the person is in Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in Saudi Arabia?
No. Cannabis is controlled under Saudi Arabia’s narcotics regulations, and the official schedules identify cannabis and related substances.
Is marijuana legal in Saudi Arabia?
No. Marijuana is not legally available for recreational use in Saudi Arabia.
Is hash legal in Saudi Arabia?
No. Hashish/cannabis resin is subject to Saudi Arabia’s controlled-substance regulations.
Is THC legal in Saudi Arabia?
THC should not be treated as a legal recreational substance. Delta-9-THC appears in Saudi Arabia’s controlled-substance schedules.
Can I bring CBD oil to Saudi Arabia?
Do not assume that CBD oil is permitted. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority identifies certain CBD-containing products involving scheduled substances as prohibited. Check the current rules for the exact product before traveling.
Can tourists use cannabis in Saudi Arabia?
Tourists are subject to Saudi law and should not use cannabis recreationally in Saudi Arabia.
Are there legal recreational cannabis dispensaries in Saudi Arabia?
There is no general government-authorized recreational cannabis dispensary system comparable to legal recreational markets in some other countries.
Final Takeaway
Cannabis is not legal for recreational use in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s official controlled-substance schedules identify cannabis, cannabis resin, extracts and related cannabis materials, while the regulations also address cannabis plants and seeds. THC is also included within the country’s controlled-substance framework.
CBD products require separate attention because their legality can depend on their formulation and whether they contain scheduled substances. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority specifically provides information concerning prohibited CBD-containing products.
Because regulations can change, travelers and residents should consult the relevant Saudi government authorities for the current rules before importing, possessing, or using any cannabis- or cannabinoid-containing product.
Official sources: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s controlled-substance schedules and prohibited-ingredients information should be treated as primary references for regulatory questions.