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.

The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) is officially launched, calling for a clear regulatory framework grounded in scientific evidence
The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) is officially launched, calling for a clear regulatory framework grounded in scientific evidence
The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) has launched in Madrid, uniting more than 40 companies to call for science-based, proportionate regulation. The group warns that a proposed 0.99 mg nicotine cap could amount to a de facto ban and introduces new voluntary industry standards in response.
Dec.03
2FIRSTS Data Insight|China’s Vape Exports to the U.S. Hit a Record $590 Million: A Peak Driven by Enforcement Cycles, Not Real Demand
2FIRSTS Data Insight|China’s Vape Exports to the U.S. Hit a Record $590 Million: A Peak Driven by Enforcement Cycles, Not Real Demand
China’s vape exports to the U.S. surged to a record $590 million in October 2025—nearly double the usual monthly level and pushing the U.S. share above 50% of China’s global shipments.But the spike was not driven by demand. Instead, it reflected a temporary release created by tightened U.S. enforcement, a collapsed logistics pathway, and a bullwhip-style surge in replenishment.The peak signals more volatility ahead, not recovery.
Special Report
Nov.24
Single-Use Vape Ban Bill Sparks Debate in Irish Parliament
Single-Use Vape Ban Bill Sparks Debate in Irish Parliament
A bill seeking to ban the sale of single-use vapes has been introduced to Ireland’s Dáil, with lawmakers citing environmental damage and rising concerns over youth health. Industry representatives have urged full scrutiny of the bill, warning of enforcement challenges and potential loopholes.
Dec.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Congress Calls on FDA to Allocate at Least $200 Million for ENDS Enforcement, Multi-Agency Task Force to Target Illegal e-Cigarette Imports. IKE Tech and Ispire Utilize Blockchain and Age Verification Technology to Support Regulation, Submit Chips as Part
Congress Calls on FDA to Allocate at Least $200 Million for ENDS Enforcement, Multi-Agency Task Force to Target Illegal e-Cigarette Imports. IKE Tech and Ispire Utilize Blockchain and Age Verification Technology to Support Regulation, Submit Chips as Part
Congress demands FDA allocate at least $200 million for ENDS enforcement; multi-agency task force to combat illegal e-cigarette imports.
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
CSUR, the Research Institute Supporting Juul’s PMTA Research, Outlines a New Pathway for Nicotine Pouches
CSUR, the Research Institute Supporting Juul’s PMTA Research, Outlines a New Pathway for Nicotine Pouches
CSUR—the Research Institute Supporting Juul and NJOY’s successful PMTAs—assessed FDA’s pilot for nicotine pouches. The program expedites premarket review by deferring behavioral data to post-market reporting. CSUR says this could speed authorizations, but manufacturers must still produce behavioral and real-world evidence after a Marketing Granted Order to maintain compliance with public-health standards.
Nov.04
Philippines Probe Agency Seizes 800 Smuggled Vape Products in Manila, Stores Face Multiple Charges
Philippines Probe Agency Seizes 800 Smuggled Vape Products in Manila, Stores Face Multiple Charges
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently seized around PHP 250,000 (approximately USD 4,250) worth of smuggled and unregistered vape devices and liquids—about 800 items in total—from two stores in Manila. Authorities said the devices could be modified to discreetly consume cannabinoids and other illegal drugs, and that those involved will face charges under the Philippines’ Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act and the Consumer Act.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai