Best Cannabis Lawyers in Al Falah

About Cannabis Law in Al Falah, Saudi Arabia

Al Falah is a neighborhood in Riyadh, and it is governed by Saudi national law. Under Saudi law, cannabis in all forms is illegal. This includes marijuana, hashish, cannabis oil, edibles, CBD products, hemp extracts, and seeds. There is no legal medical cannabis program and no decriminalized personal use. Enforcement is strict, especially at airports, road checkpoints, and in routine policing across Riyadh.

If you live in or are visiting Al Falah, you should assume zero tolerance for cannabis possession, use, cultivation, importation, and trafficking. Even small quantities or residue can lead to criminal charges. Foreign nationals can face deportation after serving any sentence.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are stopped or searched and officers find suspected cannabis, if a package you receive is seized by customs, or if your vehicle or home is searched in connection with a narcotics investigation. Legal counsel is also important if you are called for questioning by the Public Prosecution, if you are accused of promoting drugs online, or if an employer reports a positive drug test.

Lawyers help protect your rights during questioning and search procedures, engage with the Public Prosecution, seek bail or release when available, negotiate charge reductions where possible, and present mitigating factors such as voluntary treatment. For expatriates, a lawyer can also coordinate with your consulate and advise on immigration and deportation consequences.

Local Laws Overview

Saudi Arabia regulates narcotics and psychotropic substances under the Law on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, issued by Royal Decree No. M-39 of 1426H. Cannabis and its derivatives are controlled substances. Possession, use, cultivation, importation, exportation, sale, and promotion are criminal offenses. There is no lawful threshold amount for personal use.

Penalties vary based on quantity, intent, role, prior offenses, and aggravating factors. They can include imprisonment, fines, confiscation of proceeds or tools, travel bans, and for non citizens, deportation after serving the sentence. Trafficking, smuggling, or organized distribution can lead to very severe penalties in aggravated cases.

Enforcement in Riyadh, including Al Falah, is led by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, the Police, and Customs, with cases prosecuted by the Public Prosecution and heard in the Criminal Court. Border and customs inspections follow heightened standards. Bringing in medicines or products containing THC or CBD is prohibited unless specifically authorized, and such authorizations are not typically granted for cannabis based products.

Promoting or facilitating the use of narcotics, including through social media, can be charged under the narcotics law and may also implicate anti cybercrime provisions. Employers in safety sensitive sectors may conduct drug testing and report suspected criminal activity to authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is any form of cannabis legal in Al Falah or anywhere in Saudi Arabia?

No. All forms of cannabis are illegal in Saudi Arabia. This includes recreational and medical use, as well as CBD and hemp derived products.

Are CBD oils or hemp products allowed if they contain little or no THC?

No. CBD and hemp extracts are treated as cannabis derivatives and are prohibited. Shipments and personal imports are commonly seized by customs, and possession can lead to charges.

Is medical cannabis or prescription cannabis allowed?

No. Saudi Arabia does not recognize medical cannabis and does not permit prescription cannabis products. Do not attempt to bring them into the country.

What are the penalties for possession for personal use?

Penalties can include imprisonment and fines, and depend on the facts of the case, the amount, and any prior record. Non citizens can also face deportation after serving a sentence.

What happens if I am caught with cannabis at the airport?

Airport and customs enforcement is strict. Seized items are tested, and you can be detained, questioned by the Public Prosecution, and prosecuted. Claiming a product is legal in another country will not help your case in Saudi Arabia.

Can I be charged for cannabis related posts on social media?

Yes. Promoting or encouraging the use or sale of narcotics online can be prosecuted. Even sharing content that appears to promote drugs can attract legal attention.

Do the police need a warrant to search me or my car?

Procedures are governed by Saudi criminal procedure and public security regulations. Border and customs searches are broad. Elsewhere, searches may be conducted based on legal grounds such as reasonable suspicion, an order from a competent authority, or in flagrante situations.

Can voluntary treatment help my case?

Seeking treatment for substance use through approved health facilities can be viewed as a mitigating factor in some circumstances. Families may also request help for dependents. Legal advice is important to navigate this while protecting your rights.

I am an expatriate. Will I be deported if convicted?

Deportation after serving a sentence is common for non citizens convicted of drug offenses. A lawyer can advise on immigration impacts and coordinate with your embassy or consulate.

What should I do if I am arrested or called for questioning?

Stay calm, request a lawyer, provide identification, and avoid making statements about the facts of the case until counsel is present. If you are a foreign national, ask to contact your embassy or consulate.

Additional Resources

General Directorate of Narcotics Control - Ministry of Interior. Drug reporting hotline: 995.

Public Prosecution - Riyadh Region Branch. Handles investigations and charges.

Ministry of Justice - Najiz services. Lawyer directory and court services.

Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Rules on controlled medicines and imports.

Al Amal Complex for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment - Riyadh. Government treatment and rehabilitation services. Health hotline: 937.

Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. Customs controls on prohibited and restricted items.

Unified emergency number in Riyadh: 911.

Your embassy or consulate in Riyadh for consular assistance if you are a foreign national.

Next Steps

If you or a loved one is facing a cannabis related issue in Al Falah or anywhere in Riyadh, act quickly. Do not discuss the matter on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer. Write down the time, place, and people involved, and preserve any documents such as search records, summons, or lab reports.

Contact a licensed Saudi lawyer who practices criminal law and is experienced with narcotics matters. Ask about their experience in Riyadh courts, expected timelines, possible outcomes, and fees. If you are detained or summoned, tell the authorities you wish to consult counsel before answering substantive questions.

If substance use is a concern, consider contacting an approved treatment facility. Voluntary treatment may help your health and can sometimes be relevant as a mitigating factor. Families seeking help for dependents can contact health services through 937 or speak with a lawyer about safe ways to request assistance.

For emergencies, call 911. To report suspected narcotics activity or seek guidance, you can contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995. For foreign nationals, notify your embassy or consulate as early as possible.

This guide is for general information only. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer in Saudi Arabia.