Hong Kong, China--Hong Kong has made possession, consumption, and distribution of cannabidiol (CBD) illegal, reinforcing Asia's strict approach to drug regulation. While some governments worldwide have legalized or moved toward decriminalizing cannabis, the substance remains illegal in most countries, often resulting in long prison sentences for related offenses.
CBD products have gained popularity in recent years for their purported therapeutic benefits, with the global market projected to reach $48 billion by 2028. However, Hong Kong authorities argue that the science behind CBD's therapeutic qualities is inconclusive and that its use may have harmful side effects. As of February 1, CBD has been classified as a "dangerous drug," alongside substances such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as per a report published by Time.
The World Health Organization found in 2017 that CBD alone appears to be neither harmful nor prone to abuse, but it does not recommend the compound for medical use. Some studies have found therapeutic value in CBD use, particularly for people suffering from seizures and clinical anxiety.
Hong Kong's ban aligns with the policies of other countries in the region, with few exceptions. In Singapore, CBD is considered a cannabis product, and its use is prosecutable, while China made CBD completely illegal in 2022. South Korea eased restrictions on medical cannabis, including some CBD products, in 2018, but with strict safeguards. Japan allows the use of CBD not derived from the cannabis plant's stalk and seed, and its health ministry is considering amending cannabis control legislation to allow CBD drugs for patients with intractable epilepsy.
Learn the full report published by Time here.