Canadian Sentenced to Life for Possession of CBD in United Arab Emirates

Maurice Kevin O'Rourke, a 64-year-old carpenter from Mississauga, Ontario, was sentenced to life in prison in Dubai after being found with CBD oil and cannabis in his luggage while transiting through the city

O'Rourke, who suffers from Addison's disease, uses CBD for relaxation and improve his overall wellness. His wife has expressed concern about his deteriorating health in prison and is calling for his release.

O'Rourke was detained at Dubai International Airport in July 2024 for carrying CBD oil and hemp flower, despite the substances being legal in Canada.

His wife, Pamela O'Rourke, has highlighted the severe impact on his health and is appealing for compassion and understanding from authorities, and calling on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for assistance. The consequences have been devastating. O'Rourke's health has significantly deteriorated while in custody, with reports of new health complications, emergency surgeries, and an open wound. His wife has also emphasized that her husband made an innocent mistake and should not be subjected to such a harsh sentence.

In a world where CBD and cannabis are increasingly recognized for their wellness benefits, the story of Maurice Kevin O'Rourke serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and harsh realities of international drug laws.

O'Rourke's journey began in July 2024 when he was transiting through Dubai on his way to South Africa. Airport officials discovered the CBD oil and cannabis in his luggage, leading to his immediate detention.

This case highlights the urgent need for clearer guidelines and international cooperation regarding the use of cannabis and CBD. While some countries have embraced the beneficial potential of these substances, others maintain stringent prohibitions that can lead to life-altering consequences for individuals like O'Rourke.

As advocacy efforts continue, the hope is that stories like O'Rourke's will prompt a reevaluation of drug policies and foster a more compassionate approach to those who rely on cannabis for their well-being. The journey towards global acceptance of CBD and cannabis is far from over, but each case brings us closer to a more understanding and just world.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a zero-tolerance policy for recreational drug use. The country's drug policies are governed by Federal Law by Decree No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, which criminalizes the production, import, export, transport, buying, selling, possessing, and storing of narcotic and psychotropic substances unless done as part of regulated medical or scientific activities.

Violations of drug laws can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

The UAE is also a signatory to several international conventions aimed at controlling narcotic and psychotropic substances, ensuring they are only available for medical and scientific purposes.