No. CBD oil remains illegal in Saudi Arabia under the 1987 Narcotics Law, which classifies all cannabis-derived products—including CBD—as controlled substances. The General Authority for Food and Drug (GAFDA) enforces this ban, with no exceptions for THC-free CBD. Travelers face confiscation, fines, or imprisonment for possession.
Key Regulations for CBD Oil in Saudi Arabia
- Absolute prohibition: GAFDA’s 2023 circular explicitly bans CBD oil, citing its derivation from Cannabis sativa regardless of THC content.
- Strict import controls: The Saudi Customs Authority seizes CBD shipments at ports, requiring importers to provide pre-approval from GAFDA, which is unobtainable.
- Criminal liability: Articles 26 and 27 of the Narcotics Law impose penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment for trafficking or possession, with harsher sentences for repeat offenders.
Recent shifts in 2026 draft amendments to the Narcotics Law propose expanded penalties for synthetic cannabinoids but retain the CBD ban. Medical cannabis remains restricted to licensed facilities under the Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s (SFDA) controlled programs. No legal pathways exist for recreational or wellness-use CBD.