Bringing a Weed Pen To The United Arab Emirates

Bringing weed pens to Dubai is a topic that has been discussed in various forums and platforms. While some people may think it’s harmless to bring a weed pen to the United Arab Emirates, others have learned the hard way that it’s not worth the risk.

In this article, we will explore the risks of bringing a weed pen to Dubai, whether it is possible to do so, and provide you with some pro tips on how to discreetly carry a weed pen at your own risk. In short, we will tell you everything you need to know before taking your weed pen to the United Arab Emirates.

Can You Bring a Weed Pen To The United Arab Emirates?

No, you cannot bring a weed pen or any products containing THC into the United Arab Emirates. While recent changes in UAE law have relaxed penalties for some cannabis-related offenses, the importation of cannabis or THC-containing products, including weed pens, remains illegal in the United Arab Emirates.

However, following the recent changes to the country’s laws, carrying food, drinks, THC oils, or any other cannabis-infused products will no longer be considered a criminal offense; instead, such items will be confiscated and destroyed.

Can Medical Marijuana Be Brought To The UAE?

With the recent changes in the law regarding products containing marijuana, the situation is not very clear. Therefore, the best course of action is to register on the official website of the Ministry of Health and pre-register your prescription drugs.

Fill out the online form and, if possible, obtain a letter from your doctor (signed and stamped), preferably in Arabic. Then, wait for a response from the government of the United Arab Emirates.

How To Sneak a Weed Pen to The UAE

You’re likely aware that bringing a weed pen to the United Arab Emirates is possible but comes with complexities and risks. If you choose to proceed, make sure to be well-prepared for the challenge.

Here are some guidelines to assist you:

1. Limit your possession to no more than one THC vape pen.
   
   
2. Always keep your THC vape pen in your carry-on bag while in transit.
   
   
3. Discreetly conceal your cannabis vape pen among other writing implements or within any compartment of your carry-on bag.
   
   
4. An effective method is to place the THC vape pen inside an unlabeled snack container and then tuck it away in a larger, quart-sized Ziploc bag alongside regular snacks, such as an apple and a granola bar.
   
   
5. Proceed through security checks as usual. The X-ray scanners will primarily detect the vape pen batteries, which are indistinguishable from nicotine vape pens, thus minimizing potential issues.
   
   
6. Make sure you only carry a personal amount of weed pens or other cannabis products with you, so you can claim that they were accidentally packed.

Please note that the following suggestions have been compiled from individuals who have traveled to the United Arab Emirates with their weed pens and returned safely. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand that these recommendations do not offer an absolute guarantee of success, and there is still a possibility of encountering significant issues.

Penalties For Carrying a Weed Pen in the UAE

The penalties for carrying a weed pen or any products containing marijuana, hashish, or THC in the UAE have changed since January 2022. Nowadays, if you are caught with these items, they will be confiscated and destroyed, and you may face the following penalties:

• First-Time Offenders: If it’s a traveler’s first-time offense and they are caught carrying food, drinks, or other items containing THC, the new law dictates that they will no longer face imprisonment. Instead, authorities will confiscate and destroy the products.
  
  
• Second Offenders: Those caught in possession again (in less than three years) can face a minimum of 6 months in prison and a fine ranging from $8,167 to $27,225.
  
  
• Repeating Offenders: Those caught on several occasions will be imprisoned for a minimum period of 2 years and will also have to pay a fine of $27,225.

In some cases, convicts may have the option of rehabilitation at a detention facility separate from other felons. Foreigners caught in the UAE may be fortunate enough to be deported to their home country to serve their sentences. However, the new law grants judges the discretion to determine whether deportation is necessary.

What to Do if You Get Caught?

When traveling to or within the United Arab Emirates and found in possession of a vape pen containing cannabis or any related substance, it is crucial to maintain composure and adhere to these essential guidelines:

• Fully cooperate with any inspections or searches.
  
  
• Promptly dispose of the items if you are apprehended or instructed to do so.
  
  
• Avoid concealing the cannabis, as this will significantly weaken any claim of inadvertent possession.
  
  
• Offer your apologies and emphasize that the presence of these items was unintentional or accidental.

As long as you are not the subject of special interest and you respectfully comply with customs or security procedures, you should be allowed to continue your journey with only a minor delay and without your weed pen, all without major legal complications.

Conclusion:

The United Arab Emirates enforces strict drug laws, and the possession of any amount of illegal drugs by travelers entering or transiting the UAE will result in severe punishment. While weed pens and other products containing THC may be confiscated and destroyed, bringing any cannabis-infused products to the UAE remains a risky proposition. Therefore, it’s highly advisable to avoid traveling with weed pen to the United Arab Emirates.