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

Jan.12.2023
Hong Kong Prohibits CBD Products: 7-Year Imprisonment and Heavy Fines
Hong Kong bans all CBD products, adding them to its Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, with the possibility of severe punishments.

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.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i in the Philippines, Debuts via Official Stores and Online Channels
PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i in the Philippines, Debuts via Official Stores and Online Channels
PMFTC, the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), has introduced the heated tobacco device IQOS ILUMA i in the Philippines, featuring induction-heating technology and multiple smart functions. PMI aims to increase the share of smoke-free products to around 66% of its net revenues by 2030. Previously, PMFTC had already launched ZYN nicotine pouch products in Manila.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Monitor | FOGER website flags customs & tariff delays; some products out of stock
2Firsts Monitor | FOGER website flags customs & tariff delays; some products out of stock
2Firsts observed on FOGER’s online retail site “FOGER VAPES” that the platform indicates restocking delays due to customs and tariff factors. Several items show limited availability or “sold out” status, with a restock alert feature offered. A previous article on the site also referenced potential tariff changes that may affect pricing.
Nov.05
Russia's Perm Legislators Approve Full Ban on Vape Products in Regional Retail Market
Russia's Perm Legislators Approve Full Ban on Vape Products in Regional Retail Market
2Firsts, November 28, 2025 — The Legislative Assembly of Perm Krai has passed a law banning the retail sale of vape products and other nicotine-aerosol devices, effective March 1, 2026. Individuals found selling such items will face fines between ₽15,000–₽20,000 (about US $180–240), while companies face ₽50,000–₽100,000 (about US $600–1,200). The ban covers all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated-tobacco devices, and their components, regardless of nicotine content.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Coral Springs, Florida Moves to Extend Ban on New Vape Shops as Number of Existing Stores Reaches 23
Coral Springs, Florida Moves to Extend Ban on New Vape Shops as Number of Existing Stores Reaches 23
Coral Springs, Florida is considering extending its six-month moratorium on new smoke and vape shops as it works to finalize zoning rules and regulatory measures in response to a rapid increase in such retailers in recent years. The city is already home to 23 smoke and vape shops.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Co-op Faces Backlash Over Vape Promotion Strategy Post-Cyberattack
Co-op Faces Backlash Over Vape Promotion Strategy Post-Cyberattack
The Guardian reports that UK retailer Co-op is ramping up vape promotions to recover sales lost after an April cyberattack. Internal documents cite a £1M weekly sales gap and 100,000 fewer transactions. Staff say the move contradicts Co-op’s “ethical retail” image, as the government prepares to ban vape ads under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Oct.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Heaven Gifts to Cease Sale of Flavored E-Cigarettes in California as Part of Settlement with NJOY: Court to Issue Permanent Injunction.
Heaven Gifts to Cease Sale of Flavored E-Cigarettes in California as Part of Settlement with NJOY: Court to Issue Permanent Injunction.
Heaven Gifts agrees to stop selling flavored disposable e-cigarettes in California as part of settlement with NJOY.
Oct.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai