Middle East & North Africa Laws by Country — THC‑Free CBD 2025

This page provides a cautious, high‑level orientation to how selected MENA jurisdictions treat CBD products marketed as “THC‑free.” It is not legal advice. Policies change and enforcement can be strict. Always verify with competent authorities (interior, health/medicines regulators, customs) and current statutes/regulations. Reviewed through early 2025.

What “THC‑free” means here

“THC‑free” is a laboratory reporting outcome (e.g., THC reported as Not Detected at the lab’s Limit of Quantitation, or LOQ). It is not a legal category and does not create a retail pathway by itself. See LOQ vs LOD for context.

How to use this page

Use the country notes as orientation only. Before acting, check current primary sources and obtain written guidance where possible. When rules appear permissive for hemp, confirm whether consumer CBD (including “THC‑free”) is actually permitted, in which categories, and under what registrations.

Country‑by‑country quick notes (to verify)

Notes below are conservative and intended for rapid scoping. Do not rely on them as final. Enforcement in many MENA jurisdictions can be strict.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Historically strict. Do not assume consumer CBD—THC‑free or otherwise—is permitted for travelers or personal import.
Verify with Ministry of Interior and Customs. See our UAE overview.

Saudi Arabia

Cannabis/cannabinoids generally treated as controlled substances. Consumer CBD retail and import commonly considered prohibited.
Verify with Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) and ZATCA (Customs).

Qatar

Strict narcotics framework. Do not assume CBD is allowed in retail or for personal import.
Confirm with Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and Customs.

Kuwait

Strict drug controls. Treat consumer CBD as prohibited unless an official pathway is explicitly published.
Verify with Ministry of Health and Customs.

Bahrain

Conservative posture; cannabinoids generally controlled. Avoid import without written authorization.
Confirm with NHRA (National Health Regulatory Authority) and Customs.

Oman

Strict controls. Do not carry CBD into the country without clear, written permission (rare).
Verify with Royal Oman Police (Customs) and Ministry of Health.

Jordan

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law applies. Consumer CBD access not clearly established.
Confirm with Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) and Customs.

Lebanon

Industrial/medical cannabis policies have been discussed; retail CBD status for consumers remains uncertain.
Verify with Ministry of Public Health and Customs before considering import/retail.

Israel

Structured medical cannabis program exists; however, over‑the‑counter CBD policies are distinct and evolving.
Assume personal import of CBD is restricted; confirm with Israel Ministry of Health, Customs, and current notices.

Egypt

Conservative enforcement toward narcotics. Treat consumer CBD as prohibited absent explicit allowances.
Verify with MOHAP‑equivalent authorities and Customs.

Morocco

Medical/industrial frameworks have advanced in recent years; consumer CBD retail remains unclear.
Confirm with ANRAC (national agency overseeing cannabis) and Customs.

Tunisia

Strict drug laws. Do not assume CBD is permitted for retail or import.
Verify with Ministry of Health and Customs.

Algeria

Conservative posture. Treat CBD as prohibited unless a clear legal pathway is published.
Confirm with health authorities and Customs.

Iraq

Strict enforcement context. Avoid carrying CBD and assume no consumer retail pathway.
Verify with Ministry of Health and border authorities.

Turkey (wider region note)

Industrial hemp and certain medical uses exist; consumer CBD policy is complex. Cosmetics using hemp derivatives may be treated differently from ingestibles.
Obtain official confirmation from Turkey Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TMMDA) and Customs before any activity.

Other jurisdictions in the region often maintain strict prohibitions; assume no consumer retail or personal import without explicit, written permissions from competent authorities.

How to verify quickly

Identify the national competent authorities (e.g., MOH/Health, narcotics control, standards bodies, and Customs).
Search their official sites for “cannabidiol,” “hemp,” “cannabis,” “controlled substances,” and category‑specific rules (foods, supplements, cosmetics, medicines).
Confirm whether laboratory “non‑detect” THC has any legal relevance (often it does not).
If in doubt, seek a written ruling or engage a licensed local counsel or customs broker.

Travel and transit

Do not carry CBD when traveling to or transiting through countries with strict narcotics laws unless you have explicit, written authorization that clearly covers your product.
Airport/transit screening may include chemical testing; penalties can be severe.
See International Travel Guidelines.

Related resources

FAQ

Is CBD legal in the MENA region?
There is no single rule. Many jurisdictions treat cannabinoids as controlled substances and do not permit consumer CBD—THC‑free or otherwise. Verify country‑specific rules with official sources.

Does a “THC‑free” COA make a product legal?
No. “THC‑free” is a lab outcome, not a legal authorization.

Can I transit through a MENA airport with CBD?
Assume elevated risk. Do not carry CBD through strict jurisdictions absent explicit, written authorization.

Disclaimer: This page is informational only and not legal advice.