Strict medical controls on drug use... restricted to licensed prescriptions and under strict supervision
The legislation established a detailed classification within two main groups comprising 10 tables that define Prohibited substances And the restricted and permissible medical limits, with granting ministers health The authority to amend these tables in accordance with scientific developments.
Limited exceptions
Conversely,
the legislation emphasizes the prohibition of all forms of trafficking outside the regulated framework, from cultivation and production to consumption, while allowing limited exceptions for medical and research purposes under strict controls. This reflects a balanced approach that combines stringent oversight with guarantees of legitimate use. The legislation defines narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as any natural or synthetic substance listed in two main categories attached to the legislation, with the exception of certain specific medical preparations listed in special schedules.
The classification includes plants whose cultivation is prohibited, as well as the parts of certain plants that are exempt, within a comprehensive regulatory framework covering all stages of handling these substances, from the plant source to the final use.
Flexible permissions to update schedules according to new developments
The legislation grants the health ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries the authority to amend the attached schedules, whether by deletion, addition, or adjustment of percentages, in accordance with scientific and health developments and in coordination with relevant authorities. This allows for legislative flexibility to keep pace with advancements in this field.
The legislation also prohibits all forms of dealing with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including cultivation, production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, possession, trafficking, and use, except in the cases and under the conditions stipulated by law.
Furthermore, any activity related to the cultivation of prohibited plants, from sowing to harvesting, is subject to the prohibition, with specific exceptions for certain parts and seeds.
Regulation of licensing for scientific and medical purposes
The legislation permits research institutions and scientific bodies, after obtaining a license from the relevant authorities, to cultivate or import certain prohibited plants for scientific research or medical use, subject to strict regulations to prevent misuse.
It also prohibits the production or manufacture of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances except with an official license, and provides a precise definition of production and manufacturing processes, including extraction, purification, synthesis, and conversion, thus strengthening oversight at all stages of manufacturing.
Strict controls for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products
The legislation stipulated that pharmaceutical factories must obtain prior authorization to produce preparations containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, with a commitment to using these substances only within the limits of prescribed medical ratios, and in accordance with the licenses granted, without prejudice to the regulations governing the pharmacy profession.
High Committee for Policy Development and Risk Management
The system stipulates the formation of a supreme committee for drug and psychotropic substance affairs in each of the GCC countries, comprising representatives of the relevant authorities, and tasked with developing general plans to confront this phenomenon, thereby enhancing institutional coordination and integration of efforts.
A precise system for import and export procedures
The legislation established a clear mechanism for obtaining import, export, and transport licenses, requiring formal applications that include detailed information about the materials, their quantities, and their intended use. Licenses are valid for a fixed term and renewable, with the Minister of Health having the authority to reject or reduce the requested quantities.
Furthermore, the issuance of licenses is restricted to specific entities, including government institutions, scientific research centers, hospitals, pharmaceutical factories, and pharmacies, thus ensuring that transactions remain within a regulated professional framework.
Strict customs control and meticulous documentation procedures
The legislation requires customs authorities to retain the original import and export permits and return them to the relevant authorities after completing the procedures. It also mandates that copies of the permits be attached to shipments and that all receipt and delivery transactions between countries be properly documented.
Furthermore, it prohibits the transport of these materials in mixed shipments and stipulates that they must be in secure packages bearing detailed information about their nature, quantity, and concentration, in addition to the information of the licensing authority.
Regulating the transit of materials across state territories
The legislation allowed the passage of narcotic substances through the country’s territory to another country, provided that prior licenses were obtained from the countries concerned, and that the route of transport, its means, and all data related to the shipment were specified, in order to enhance cross-border control.
Exceptions for emergency cases
The system exempts certain medicines containing narcotic substances, used in first aid, and carried by international transport, provided that they are disclosed to the competent authorities upon entry or departure.
Strict conditions for granting trading licenses
The legislation places strict restrictions on granting trading licenses, prohibiting their issuance to those convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or drug-related offenses. It also stipulates a specific period of time before a license can be reconsidered in certain cases. The legislation
specifies authorized trading locations, such as pharmacies, warehouses, and pharmaceutical factories, requiring the appointment of a pharmacist in charge of management and adherence to all applicable regulations.
A precise accounting system for tracking the movement of materials
The legislation mandates that licensed entities record all transactions related to narcotics, whether incoming or outgoing, in official, numbered, and sealed registers. These registers must include detailed information about suppliers, buyers, quantities, and dates, ensuring transparency and traceability.
Furthermore, the legislation requires the submission of quarterly reports to the relevant authorities detailing the movement of narcotics, a requirement that also applies to hospitals and private clinics.
Strict controls for medical use
The legislation stipulated that the dispensing of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical purposes must be in accordance with scientific principles and with valid, officially approved prescriptions. It prohibited physicians from using these substances for personal purposes or dispensing them to patients except in the most limited therapeutic circumstances. The
legislation permitted physicians, after obtaining authorization, to keep limited quantities in their clinics for use in emergencies, provided they adhere to the approved dosage form.
