In an announcement to his legal professionals, Hood mentioned: "I've constantly had a zero-tolerance on any prescription drugs or unlawful substances. For me to be accused of selling and advertising medicines in a rustic that has the same beliefs and values as me is very upsetting because it influences my potential."
Adjustments towards the UAE's drug regulations will Restrict legal action in opposition to individuals located being carrying merchandise which contain cannabis extracts.
The law also lays out provisions with the Ministry of Well being and Avoidance to start out constructing devoted procedure and rehabilitation centers for anyone convicted of drug use offenses, getting rid of them from the general prison population.
“The UAE promotes itself like a glamorous ‘get together location’ to foreigners with internet marketing created to entice in excess of investors, skilled labour and travellers,” said Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai who is helping Hood and his loved ones.
“People who smoke are really conscious of what their cigarettes comprise, so they must have the ability to know if It is CBD oil and not are convinced the revised regulation will spare them penalty.
He claims he was refused a translator and instructed he would not be introduced from his mobile, where by he was held with 30 other Guys and specified only bread and h2o, Unless of course he signed the document.
In an announcement to his attorneys Mr Hood explained: "I have often had a zero-tolerance on any drugs or illegal substances.
Relatives have claimed Hood was so frightened and weary that he agreed to indicator a confession, penned in Arabic, not recognizing he experienced admitted to these types of significant crimes.
"I attempted not for getting my hopes up for currently as I knew one thing like this could materialize, but I now should encounter the possibility that I may well not see my son just before Christmas and I can not let you know how damaged I am sensation."
Consuming medication is against the law along with the revised legislation isn't going to improve this rule. As a result, folks found in possession of substances like CBD oil in e-cigarettes might be charged, he said.
"Billy was forced to confess to federal crimes with guarantees of his imminent launch. He was presented both a carrot as well as a adhere, so some prosecutor could get his dues. It's all also common a Tale."
Penalties for trafficking or advertising weed continue being serious, carrying a minimal jail phrase of 5 years in addition to a fantastic of a minimum of Dh50,000.
"They turned what would have been a little possession situation at worst right into a federal scenario which has observed him read more locked up for nearly a yr and facing a lifestyle sentence in Abu Dhabi.
It comes after the United Arab Emirates a short while ago explained it would herald new legal guidelines which means foreigners found to get in possession of goods that contains THC, the most crucial intoxicating chemical in cannabis, is usually deported rather than jailed providing it is their initially offence.