Saudi Arabia Cannabidiol Market Overview,2030

Despite Saudi Arabia’s long-standing prohibition on cannabis-derived products, the country is quietly positioning itself to explore non-psychoactive cannabinoid applications under tightly regulated medical and cosmetic frameworks. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, policy shifts in 2021 saw the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) approving limited research on cannabidiol use for dermatological conditions, particularly in collaboration with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Historically, cannabis was not widely used in traditional Saudi medicine, but herbal treatments often referenced hemp-related plants like al-qinnab, albeit in ambiguous therapeutic contexts. The interest in cannabidiol surged after 2020 when international health bodies like the World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence reclassified CBD as non-addictive, influencing GCC discussions. However, product registration remains stringent, with only isolate-based topicals being discussed for pilot medical trials. Companies like Evonik Gulf FZE have facilitated technology transfers to support pharmaceutical-grade CO2 extraction methods under cleanroom conditions for possible CBD production once regulations allow. Imported formulations must comply with ISO 22716 and GMP-certified manufacturing protocols, particularly for skincare products shipped via Ras Tanura port under pharmaceutical scrutiny. While full-spectrum products remain blocked due to detectable THC content, lab-tested isolate samples from firms like PureForm Global and Kazmira LLC have entered pilot studies under partnership review with Prince Sultan Military Medical City. Packaging innovations, including UV-protective ampoules and single-dose sachets, are under review by Saudi Customs and the SFDA’s labeling division to ensure product stability in arid conditions. Despite the lack of CBD in ingestibles, nanoemulsion techniques are being evaluated in collaboration with the Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation (SPIMACO) for future oral administration possibilities. Legal barriers remain, particularly in synchronizing GCC-wide product classification systems, while cross-border trade continues to face restrictions under WCO tariff codes. Still, Saudi Arabia’s participation in the International Medical Cannabis Conference in Tel Aviv in 2023, through private observer delegates, signals growing scientific interest amid political caution.

According to the research report, ""Saudi Arabia Cannabidiol Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia Cannabidiol market is anticipated to add to more than USD 80 Million by 2025–30. Riyadh Pharma has recently initiated formulation discussions with Canadian firm Neptune Wellness Solutions to evaluate topical CBD for muscular pain relief under a prescription model, leveraging private hospital partnerships for clinical observation. Online sales are tightly regulated and remain inaccessible for domestic CBD commerce, but Jazan-based logistics firm Naqel Express has been exploring cross-border fulfillment models for import-licensed cosmetic products. Global brands like Elixinol and Medterra are currently restricted from selling directly to Saudi consumers but have begun supplying neutralized product components to local labs for research formulation. The 2023 Saudi Derma Conference featured panels sponsored by Laboratoires Expanscience to examine how CBD-infused dermatological products could fit into the region’s evolving wellness protocols. With strict advertising limitations in place, brands are turning to educational webinars through health platforms like Altibbi and TeebiCare, often supported by pharmacists from Nahdi Medical Company, to discuss safety, usage, and regulatory boundaries. Cultural stigma remains a challenge, but increasing public health literacy, particularly among Gen Z and millennial consumers, is driving cautious curiosity around CBD as a natural remedy. In terms of retail presence, Danube Pharmacy has expressed interest in launching a CBD awareness program in conjunction with Swiss company Kiehl’s, focusing on hemp seed oil-infused skincare as a precursor to full CBD integration. Innovations in product development, including biodegradable packaging and QR-enabled traceability by firms like Origin Materials, are being evaluated for use in Saudi packaging labs aligned with Vision 2030’s sustainability goals. While the domestic supply chain for hemp cultivation is non-existent, agricultural bodies like the National Center for Palms and Dates have been approached by German firm SynBiotic SE to explore alternative crop frameworks that could one day support regional CBD raw material production, pending legislative change.

In Saudi Arabia, oils and tinctures are the leading form of cannabidiol products, catering to individuals who prefer an easy and precise way to consume CBD. With the growing interest in wellness and alternative health practices, these products are especially popular in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, where people are increasingly seeking natural remedies for stress, sleep issues, and general well-being. These oils and tinctures are often used for their versatility and quick absorption into the bloodstream. In addition to oils and tinctures, capsules and softgels have also gained popularity in Saudi Arabia, particularly among those looking for a more controlled and convenient form of CBD. Capsules are discreet and allow users to incorporate CBD into their daily routines without drawing attention, making them an appealing option in a country where privacy is valued in wellness practices. Gummies and confectionery are slowly entering the market, primarily targeting younger consumers in urban areas like Riyadh, where there is a growing trend towards functional foods. These CBD-infused gummies offer a flavorful and easy-to-consume option for individuals who prefer not to use oils or capsules. Topicals and skincare products are also witnessing an uptick in popularity in Saudi Arabia, as skincare is an integral part of daily life in the region. CBD-infused lotions, creams, and serums are marketed for their potential to reduce inflammation and improve skin health, catering to consumers in upscale areas such as the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh. While still relatively niche, vape products are gaining some traction in Saudi Arabia, especially among expatriates in cosmopolitan areas who are accustomed to alternative wellness options from their home countries. The other forms of CBD products such as beverages and edible snacks are beginning to emerge in select retail outlets catering to a small, yet growing, health-conscious audience.

In Saudi Arabia, wellness and personal use is the primary driver of the CBD market. There is a growing segment of consumers who are turning to cannabidiol for its potential health benefits, such as stress reduction, improved sleep quality, and relief from chronic pain. This trend is particularly evident in Riyadh and Jeddah, where the busy urban lifestyle has led to an increased demand for natural remedies. As CBD’s reputation for promoting mental and physical well-being expands, more people are incorporating it into their wellness routines. The nutraceuticals and supplements segment is also gaining momentum, as health-conscious consumers in Saudi Arabia look for CBD-infused supplements to enhance their immunity, manage inflammation, and improve overall health. Nutraceuticals such as CBD oils and capsules are becoming more readily available in high-end pharmacies and health stores, catering to individuals who prefer a holistic approach to health management. Additionally, pet care products containing CBD are starting to gain recognition in the market. Pet owners, especially in metropolitan areas, are increasingly using CBD to alleviate their pets’ anxiety, joint pain, or skin conditions. As the pet care market grows in Saudi Arabia, CBD products for animals are becoming a niche but expanding sector. In the cosmetics and skincare sector, CBD-infused beauty products are also beginning to attract attention, particularly in luxury retail stores in Riyadh and Jeddah. These products promise to reduce skin inflammation and enhance the appearance of the skin, aligning with the region’s strong emphasis on beauty and skincare routines. Pharmaceuticals are another key area where CBD is being integrated. The Saudi Arabian healthcare system is gradually opening up to the therapeutic benefits of CBD, especially for conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain, leading to the emergence of CBD-based medications. While still in the early stages, the food and beverages sector is beginning to see CBD-infused products like coffees, smoothies, and health snacks appearing in select outlets, mainly in high-end cafes and health food stores, particularly in urban areas like Riyadh.

In Saudi Arabia, the most commonly used source for cannabidiol is hemp, which is more readily available for cultivation and extraction under the country’s strict regulatory framework. Hemp-derived CBD products are legally permissible in Saudi Arabia, provided they comply with local regulations, and these products are often marketed for wellness purposes such as stress relief, pain management, and skin care. Hemp is recognized for its non-psychoactive properties, which makes it the preferred source of CBD in Saudi Arabia, where cannabis use remains illegal and heavily regulated. Local demand for hemp-derived CBD products is primarily concentrated in larger urban areas like Riyadh and Jeddah, where consumer awareness of natural health products is growing. The growing interest in hemp-derived CBD products has led to the establishment of a few local importers and distributors, who bring in these products from international markets like Europe and North America. Although marijuana-derived CBD remains illegal in Saudi Arabia due to the country’s strict drug laws, there has been increasing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of marijuana-based CBD. However, marijuana-derived CBD is not commercially available in the country, and those seeking it must look outside the Kingdom, which has restricted its import and use. The legal framework around CBD is likely to evolve, especially given the ongoing global trends toward acceptance of cannabis for medical use, but at present, hemp-derived products dominate the market.  

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Cannabidiol Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Form
• Oils & Tinctures
• Capsules & Softgels
• Gummies & Confectionery
• Topicals / Skin Care
• Vape Products
• Others

By End Use
• Wellness & Personal Use
• Nutraceuticals & Supplements
• Pet Care
• Cosmetics & Skin Care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Food & Beverages

By Source
• Marijuana
• Hemp Show more