Iran

Iran's Anti-Narcotics Law (1988, amended 1997, 2010 and 2017) makes cultivation of cannabis (shahdaneh) for narcotic production a crime under Article 2, and Article 3 punishes anyone who stores, conceals or carries cannabis seeds with fines and up to 70 lashes — but for cannabis seed the intent to produce narcotics must be established. Hemp seed is a traditional snack and cooking ingredient sold openly, and hemp has long been grown for fiber, so seed trade without narcotic intent is tolerated. There is, however, no licensing or certified-variety system for agricultural hemp planting, and any seed acquisition aimed at growing high-THC cannabis is criminal.