No. THCA is illegal in Saudi Arabia under the 2026 Narcotics Control Law, which classifies all tetrahydrocannabinol derivatives—including THCA—as controlled substances. The General Authority for Food and Drug (GAFDA) enforces strict penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for possession or distribution.
Key Regulations for THCA in Saudi Arabia
- Absolute Prohibition: THCA is treated as a Schedule I narcotic under GAFDA’s 2026 amendments, aligning with the Kingdom’s zero-tolerance drug policy.
- Criminal Liability: Unauthorized possession, cultivation, or trafficking of THCA triggers mandatory judicial penalties, including up to 20 years imprisonment under the Anti-Narcotics Law.
- Border Controls: Customs authorities (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) conduct rigorous inspections of all imported goods, with THCA-positive shipments subject to immediate seizure and destruction.
Saudi Arabia’s legal framework reflects its adherence to international drug control treaties, particularly the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The 2026 updates explicitly expand the definition of “narcotic substances” to include precursor compounds and non-psychoactive cannabinoids when linked to THC production. Local jurisprudence further reinforces this stance, with courts consistently rejecting medical or industrial exemptions for THCA-based products.