Minister of Health Issues Three Ministerial Decrees on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances
Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi, issued three ministerial decisions today, Monday. The first regulates the licensing of the production and manufacture of drugs containing narcotic or psychoactive substances. The second governs the possession and dispensing of psychoactive preparations on board international commercial aircraft and ships. The third pertains to the regulation of the cultivation of narcotic plants for medical purposes and scientific research.
In a press statement, the Ministry of Health explained that the first decision restricts the production or manufacture of narcotic or psychoactive materials or preparations to licensed pharmaceutical factories, under a license issued by the Minister. It stipulates that their use is limited to procedures authorized by the Ministry, while specifying the requirements and documents necessary to obtain production or manufacturing licenses, as well as the types and quantities of materials used and the individuals responsible for their custody.
The Ministry added that the decision establishes a comprehensive framework for registration, storage, dispensing, inventory, and tracking, while defining custody responsibilities and clear procedures for handling and reporting cases of breakage or loss. It also mandates periodic reports and inspections to verify compliance with regulations and to enhance the safety and control of the use of these substances for licensed pharmaceutical purposes.
Regarding the second decision, the Ministry clarified that it regulates the possession and dispensing of psychoactive preparations intended for first aid and emergency cases on board international commercial aircraft and ships registered in Kuwait. It sets out comprehensive controls for their possession, dispensing, use, storage, and documentation.
The decision aims to regulate safe storage, dispensing, and documentation, while assigning responsibility for the custody of these preparations. It also governs the dispensing, return, or replacement of containers, with specific procedures in cases of loss or breakage. Its use is restricted to licensed practitioners or crew members trained in first aid, with the goal of enhancing readiness to handle emergencies while tightening control over possession and use.
The Ministry noted that the third decision outlines the conditions and controls governing the cultivation of narcotic plants for medical or scientific research purposes, establishing a specific framework for licensing, supervision, documentation, and storage. It authorizes government entities, research centers, and licensed public and private universities, colleges, and institutes specializing in this field to cultivate the plants specified in the decision, under a license from the Minister of Health, and solely for medical or scientific research purposes. The decision specifies the requirements for obtaining a license, including the type and quantity of seeds, the purpose of cultivation, the location, and the time period, while designating the individual responsible for the custody of the seeds and plants.
Furthermore, the decision requires securing and guarding cultivation sites, restricting access to authorized personnel, and establishing specific controls for handling loss or damage, as well as the destruction of crops and remaining quantities in coordination with relevant authorities. It also mandates the preparation of periodic reports and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with the licensed purpose.
