Cannabis is illegal in Hong Kong for both medical and recreational use.
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China and has strict regulations regarding the use and possession of cannabis. Cannabis is designated as a dangerous drug, and according to Hong Kong law, possession of a dangerous drug is punishable by a fine of up to HK$1 million and up to seven years in prison.
However, the number of marijuana users in Hong Kong is on the rise, with a 22% increase in arrests for marijuana-related offenses, according to the Hong Kong government.
It is also illegal with respect to medical marijuana, and CBD is included in a list of drugs that includes heroin and cocaine.
Regulations against CBD have also been tightened, and Hong Kong has taken a very strong stance against cannabis-related products worldwide.
Medical cannabis in Hong Kong
Medical cannabis is also strictly regulated in Hong Kong.
Even if you use cannabis for medical purposes, you will be severely punished.
Cannabis is listed as a Category 1 drug under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, along with heroin, cocaine, opium, and methamphetamine, all of which are prohibited under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
The Hong Kong government claims that cannabis is not a therapeutic drug, although there is a long history of medical use of cannabis in Hong Kong, mainland China, and elsewhere.
CBD is illegal
Hong Kong has allowed the sale of CBD products and has been one of the most promising CBD markets in the Asian region, but has banned CBD from February 2023. This adds CBD to a list of drugs that includes heroin and cocaine.
In Hong Kong, CBD has been legal so far, with products containing CBD ingredients and cafes allowing customers to order CBD-infused drinks and edibles.
The Hong Kong government has stated that CBD does not have psychoactive effects, but that CBD may cause psychoactive effects due to its breakdown and possible conversion to THC.
Some CBD advocates have argued that CBD does not contain enough THC to cause psychoactive effects.
Penalties for CBD have been enhanced, with a maximum of life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine for trafficking and manufacturing CBD, and up to seven years in prison and a HK$1 million fine for use and possession of CBD.
The Hong Kong government is attempting to strengthen overall drug control by regulating CBD.
Call to attention the Tourists
Hong Kong used to carry a lot of CBD products, so it is expected that tourists will bring CBD products into the city without realizing that the regulations have been tightened.
Hong Kong authorities have made their first CBD arrests in connection with a parcel of oil from Denmark.
Thailand, where cannabis has been legalized, has warned people not to bring CBD into Hong Kong, and the United States has urged its citizens to check oils, lotions, and supplements for CBD ingredients.
We recommend that those who plan to visit Hong Kong do not bring CBD products into the country and double-check that cosmetics and other products do not contain CBD ingredients.
Conclusion
We have introduced the marijuana situation in Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong, both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are illegal. In addition, from February 2023, CBD will be included in the drug list and the use and possession of CBD products will also be illegal. Hong Kong has taken a tough stance against the use and possession of marijuana, and visitors to Hong Kong should exercise caution.
Penalties for CBD have also been tightened, and trafficking or manufacturing CBD can result in up to life imprisonment.