Is Weed Legal in Saudi Arabia?

Recreational and medical marijuana are illegal in Saudi Arabia, and penalties rank among the harshest in the world. The Law of Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, issued by Royal Decree No. M/39 of 1426 AH (2005), classifies cannabis as a prohibited substance in all forms, including hashish, marijuana flower, edibles, and extracts.

Simple possession draws a prison sentence of six months to two years and fines up to SAR 100,000, often supplemented by lashes under judicial discretion. Dealing offenses can yield up to ten years of imprisonment, while trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty under Article 37 of the law. Saudi Arabia resumed drug-related executions in late 2022 after a brief moratorium, and beheadings for cannabis trafficking have continued through 2025. The General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) within the Ministry of Interior leads enforcement, supported by customs at King Abdulaziz, King Khalid, and King Fahd International Airports.

There is no medical cannabis program. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has not registered any cannabinoid medicine, and foreign prescriptions for Sativex, dronabinol, or Epidyolex are not honored. Religious authorities reinforce prohibition, and tourists receive no leniency.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.