Is Hemp Legal in Hong Kong?

Industrial hemp is illegal in Hong Kong. The Dangerous Drugs Ordinance treats all parts of the Cannabis sativa plant as controlled substances, and the 2023 inclusion of CBD on the First Schedule reinforced the policy that no hemp-derived consumer product may circulate without licensing.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has not authorized any hemp cultivation, and there is no domestic hemp supply chain. Hemp seed for human consumption (with sterilized seeds and verified zero-cannabinoid content) is the narrow exception traditionally tolerated at retail, but products containing hemp leaf, hemp flower, hemp protein, or any cannabinoids are prohibited. Customs may admit hemp textiles and finished apparel that contain no plant material residue, but the line is policed strictly. Penalties for unlicensed cultivation or import of hemp biomass align with the cannabis framework, up to seven years for possession and life imprisonment for trafficking.

Hong Kong's regulatory direction has tightened consistently since 2020, and there is no public consultation on a hemp pilot program as of 2026.

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