Student on trial for marijuana possession says it was for medicinal purposes

Saudi who studies in the US says he takes the drug to help with his psychological problems.

DUBAI // A 25-year-old university student accused of possessing marijuana for his own use told the court he takes the drug for medicinal purposes.

Saudi Arabian M A was arrested at Dubai International Airport on October 13 after customs inspectors found him to be suspicious.

The student told judges at Dubai Criminal Court that he had been using the substance while studying in the United States.

“I live and study in the US. My graduation is seven months away and because I suffer from some psychological problems, I have been using marijuana as a treatment,” he said.

After being arrested, the defendant was referred to the criminal lab for a urine test but his results came back negative.

However, tests carried out on the substance found in his possession proved it was marijuana, some of it disguised as sweets and some of it in a powdered form.

Records show that he had 975.76 grams of marijuana in total.

A verdict is due on February 15.