In a landmark case, a 32-year-old woman was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment in Hong Kong for bringing cannabidiol (CBD) into the city, marking the first criminal conviction since the territory’s recent ban on the substance. CBD, a non-psychoactive derivative of the cannabis plant, is known for its purported benefits in reducing pain, stress, anxiety, and inflammation.
The ban on CBD was implemented in February, placing the substance in the same legal category as dangerous drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Under this law, owning, consuming, or selling CBD is considered a criminal offense.
The woman was apprehended at customs after arriving in Hong Kong from the United States on March 29. Authorities discovered that she had two bottles of CBD personal-care products, the nationality of the woman was not disclosed. Additionally, she was found in possession of 2.2 grammes of ketamine and 10 syringes, which further compounded her legal troubles.
The magistrate handed down the sentence for two counts of drug possession and one count related to the syringes, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and serving as a warning to the public.
Hong Kong Customs officials have taken a strict stance on the matter, asserting that the severity of the jail term reflects their commitment to enforcing the ban. Anyone caught possessing or consuming CBD in Hong Kong could face up to seven years in prison and hefty fines of up to HK$1 million (approximately US$127,000). The penalties for importing, exporting, or manufacturing CBD are even more severe.
Authorities in Hong Kong justified the ban by claiming that CBD could potentially be converted into THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Mainland China has also banned the use of CBD in cosmetic products since 2021.
Despite the ban, CBD remains popular worldwide, with a diverse range of products like gummies, coffee, beers, and beauty creams contributing to an industry expected to reach $47 billion by 2028, up from $4.9 billion in 2021. While it is legal in the United States, parts of Europe, Japan, and Thailand, Hong Kong has taken a stringent approach in implementing the ban.
Since the ban’s enforcement, Hong Kong authorities have been proactive in confiscating suspected CBD items and have arrested six individuals during the first three months of its implementation. The seized items, primarily skin-care products, were valued at approximately $16,600 and were mostly intercepted at Hong Kong’s borders.
