Hong Kong proposes to ban CBD products within a year

Hong Kong authorities have proposed banning CBD-based products later this year, after finding that one-third of the items sold in the city contained traces of THC, which is illegal in the country.

Under the new regulations, the manufacture, import, export, sale, and possession of CBD would be illegal. The authorities claim that while CBD is not considered a psychotropic substance, it is difficult to extract without THC.

«We believe there will be a period before the new legislation takes effect—let's say about three months—to allow retailers and customers who have purchased CBD-based products to dispose of them before the legislation takes effect,» said Narcotics Commissioner Kesson Lee.

Lee added that the government would consider setting up collection points so that people could dispose of their CBD.

Fear of THC

Since 2019, about one-third—out of more than 4,100 products—of the CBD-based product samples tested at the government laboratory have been found to contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), according to figures cited by the newspaper.

Hong Kong authorities have long taken a zero-tolerance approach to any amount of cannabis and THC-containing products, citing health risks and addiction issues.

Currently, the use of CBD is legal in Hong Kong, and there is a growing trend toward products infused with this substance, whether they are CBD oils, infused beverages, or dishes served in restaurants.

Kesson Lee explained that it is difficult to completely remove THC impurities from CBD isolates, adding that CBD can break down naturally or be intentionally converted into THC. He added that the China has banned the use of CBD since last year in cosmetics and food products.

The CBD Industry on the Rise

Stakeholders in the CBD industry have expressed reservations about the government's position.

«Legislation is a cross-cutting approach. I think there’s still room for discussion. The current regulations are sufficient [to protect residents from THC],» said Keith Wong Tsz-wai, executive director of the Community Drug Advisory Council.

Wong suggested an alternative bill that would require companies to conduct laboratory tests to ensure that CBD products do not contain THC.

Anthony To, owner of Cannable, a CBD spa and wellness store in Sheung Wan, has as reported in the Bangkok Post that his store would have no choice but to stop using CBD products if the proposed amendments were adopted.

The CBD products that his store uses and sells had undergone laboratory testing certifying that they contained no THC, he added.

«We were quite shocked,» he said. «That’s because many countries have legalized the use of CBD. We haven’t seen any place [or city] that bans its use.»

In Hong Kong, possession of a dangerous drug is punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine of 1 million Hong Kong dollars (120,000 euros).