Hong Kong Prohibits CBD Products: 7-Year Imprisonment and Heavy Fines

Hong Kong, China recently announced that all products containing cannabidiol (CBD) will be banned starting February 1st. CBD will be added to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO), which already includes over 200 substances such as fentanyl, ketamine, heroin, and various psychoactive compounds like MDMA.

CBD will now be included in the existing list of "cannabinol and its tetrahydro derivative (THC); as well as 3-alkyl homologues." As a result of this change, anyone who possesses or consumes CBD will face a maximum of seven years in prison and a fine of up to HKD 1 million (approximately RMB 870,000).

According to Lexology, manufacturers of CBD may also face life imprisonment.

Although many users around the world have been touting the anti-anxiety and pain-relieving properties of CBD, the Hong Kong Security Bureau believes that these claims "lack authoritative scientific evidence." This directive appears to be consistent with China's ban on the use of CBD in cosmetics implemented last year.

Currently, it is unclear whether other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBDV, CBC, etc. will be included in the ban. However, based on a memorandum from the Narcotics Division in November 2022, the Hong Kong government appears to be primarily concerned about the possibility of CBD products containing trace amounts of THC, either through breakdown or conversion, and the lack of international regulations specifically for these products.

Article Related Reading: Hong Kong plans to completely ban the sale of CBD products by the end of 2022.