No, Salvia divinorum is illegal in Saudi Arabia under the 2026 amendments to the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Law, which explicitly classify its active compound, salvinorin A, as a controlled substance. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) enforce strict penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for possession, distribution, or cultivation.
Key Regulations for Salvia Divinorum in Saudi Arabia
- Controlled Substance Classification: Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A are listed under Schedule I of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Law (2026), prohibiting all non-medical use.
- Penalties for Violation: Unauthorized possession or trafficking may result in sentences up to 10 years, as per Article 14 of the law, with mandatory chemical dependency treatment for offenders.
- Cultivation Restrictions: Growing Salvia divinorum is criminalized, as the GDNC monitors precursor chemicals and plant cultivation under Royal Decree No. M/101.
The Saudi Customs Authority also screens imports, seizing any shipments containing the plant or its extracts. Exemptions for traditional or religious use do not apply, given the absence of recognized cultural exceptions in Saudi jurisprudence. Legal practitioners should verify updates via the SFDA’s official drug control portal to mitigate compliance risks.