Hong Kong Imposes Life Imprisonment and Hefty Fines for Possession of CBD

Hong Kong has officially banned cannabidiol (CBD) and imposed harsh penalties for its possession, including possible life imprisonment and a fine of up to HK$5 million ($638,000).

The ban places CBD on par with heroin in terms of legal classification, joining more than 200 other “dangerous drugs” that are prohibited in the city. Supporters of CBD argue that it can help relieve stress and inflammation without getting its users high, unlike its more famous cousin THC, the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana which has long been illegal in Hong Kong.

CBD was once legal in the city, and cafes and shops selling CBD-infused products were popular among young people. However, Hong Kong authorities have argued that the products could be converted into the intoxicating compound THC, which was already illegal in the city. They also say that claims of CBD’s medical benefits “lack authoritative scientific proof”.

The new law has forced fledgling businesses to shut down or revamp, leaving many people without access to the products they had come to rely on. The ban has been met with criticism from those who believe that CBD should be legal, as it has been shown to have medical benefits.

It remains to be seen how the ban will affect the city’s CBD industry, but it is clear that the new law will have a significant impact on the lives of those who rely on CBD products.