Iraq
Is Hemp Legal in Iraq?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal in Iraq. Federal Law No. 50 of 2017 does not separate hemp from cannabis based on THC content, and the Ministry of Agriculture has not licensed any commercial hemp cultivation in either federal Iraq or the Kurdistan Region.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources oversees crop authorization and has no hemp cultivar approval as of 2026. Iraqi farmers occasionally encountered wild Cannabis sativa in northern provinces, but cultivation — even for fiber or seed — triggers the same penalties as marijuana production: 5 to 15 years imprisonment. The Iraq Drug Control Strategy 2018-2022 explicitly excluded hemp from agricultural diversification plans. Imported hemp seed for animal feed or human food consumption is blocked at customs.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Key facts ·
Iraq
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited (no hemp definition)
Regulator
Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources; Anti-Narcotics Directorate
Key regulation
Federal Law No. 50 of 2017
Effective
April 30, 2017
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp seeds, fiber, hurd, and finished hemp goods are blocked at all Iraqi border crossings. The Anti-Narcotics Directorate treats hemp materials as cannabis derivatives.
FAQ
Common questions
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