Hong Kong Ban CBD

Hong Kong is to ban the cannabis compound CBD from February 2023, with a possible 7-year jail term for possession to match heroin or cocaine.

The government has already placed “CBD disposal bins” across Hong Kong to “facilitate the disposal of CBD products.”

The ban will put CBD on the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, which will be effected on February 1, 2023. CBD will join over 200 substances, including cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, ketamine and methamphetamine.

Whilst it is not psychoactive, authorities say CBD is inseparable from THC. Advocates have argued that any THC found in CBD products is insufficient to produce its psychoactive effects.

The government believes CBD can decompose and be converted into THC. From February, the manufacturing and trafficking of CBD will earn you a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine. Possession and consumption of CBD could get you seven years of imprisonment and a HK$1 million fine.

The Narcotics Division of the government consulted reps from the social welfare, medical and commercial sectors about the proposed ban back in June, and most of them supported prohibition.

The ruling powers requested “industry stakeholders” to deliver “written submissions” on the subject. Among those obtained were recommendations for CBD products to be allowed by medical experts and doubts about the scientific research surrounding CBD.

CBD is not psychoactive and is just one of over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis. Studies on its effects are mixed. Some boast that it can relieve stress, muscle fatigue, and skin conditions. In contrast, others attach any benefits to a pure placebo effect.

CBD products have recently gained popularity in Hong Kong, with cafes and bars offering a variety of CBD-infused foods and drinks. Retail and online stores have also boomed, selling oils, gummies, creams and many other products. Many of these businesses will now face closure under the new plan.

Hong Kong began smashing down on CBD sellers last November. More than 30,000 CBD products were seized under the suspicion that they contained higher levels of THC than they were labelled with.

A total of 34 people have been arrested over suspected offences related to CBD products, including the trafficking and possession of dangerous drugs, according to statics from July. No charges have been laid against them, with all released on bail pending further investigations.

Authorities said disposal boxes would be placed at selected government premises to “facilitate the disposal of CBD products” going forward.