Is CBD Legal in Hong Kong?

CBD is illegal in Hong Kong. Cannabidiol was added to the First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance with effect from 1 February 2023, ending a brief period when low-THC CBD wellness products were sold legally across the territory. The Department of Health Drug Office, the Narcotics Division, and the Police led the policy shift, citing seizures of CBD products that contained measurable THC and the difficulty of policing the THC threshold at retail level.

Since the rescheduling, sale, possession, manufacture, and import of any CBD product, regardless of THC content, are treated as dangerous drug offenses. Possession carries up to seven years and a HKD 1 million fine; trafficking up to life imprisonment and HKD 5 million. Cafes, cosmetics retailers, and online stores that previously stocked CBD oils, gummies, and topicals have removed all products. Travelers arriving with CBD purchased lawfully in Thailand, Japan, Switzerland, or the United States face the same penalty regime.

Pharmaceutical-grade CBD medicines such as Epidyolex have no general approval and would require an individual import authorization from the Department of Health under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.