Cannabis — Hong Kong

Cannabis is completely illegal in Hong Kong -- possession or consumption carries up to 7 years imprisonment and a HK$1 million fine, and bringing any in counts as trafficking, which carries up to life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine. The Hong Kong Police Force states that trafficking includes giving away any amount, so passing some to a friend sits in the life-imprisonment tier, and growing a single cannabis plant carries up to 15 years. CBD has also been a dangerous drug since 1 February 2023, so CBD oils, gummies, skincare, drinks, supplements and even CBD pet products are treated exactly like other controlled drugs -- one arriving traveller was jailed for two months over two bottles of CBD personal-care product. This applies even if you bought it legally elsewhere, and even if you are only transiting through Hong Kong airport.

Possession of a dangerous drug, or smoking, inhaling, ingesting or injecting one: a fine of HK$1,000,000 and 7 years imprisonment. Trafficking, which the Hong Kong Police Force states includes selling or giving away any amount, and manufacture: a fine of HK$5,000,000 and imprisonment for life. Cultivating any plant of the genus cannabis: a fine of HK$100,000 and 15 years imprisonment. Possessing any pipe, equipment or apparatus fit and intended for the smoking, inhalation, ingestion or injection of a dangerous drug: a fine of HK$10,000 and 3 years imprisonment (Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 134). Where an adult is found to have exploited a minor to procure, supply or traffic a dangerous drug, the police seek enhanced sentencing under section 56A. The same penalties apply to CBD products, which have been dangerous drugs since 1 February 2023.

Verified Sep 1, 2026

CBD is a dangerous drug in Hong Kong: it was listed under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance on 1 February 2023, so a CBD oil, gummy, vape or skincare product sold openly at home is contraband here. The Narcotics Division warns that pure CBD is hard to isolate, that most CBD products therefore contain trace THC, and that CBD can decompose into THC under normal storage conditions -- a "THC-free" label does not protect you. Hong Kong Customs screens arriving passengers for it: in July 2023 it announced the first jailing of an incoming passenger, in a case where about 5 g of CBD was found in two personal-care bottles in her luggage (she was also carrying ketamine, and the two months' imprisonment was the total for three counts).

Possession or consumption of a dangerous drug, which since 1 February 2023 includes CBD: a maximum of 7 years' imprisonment and a fine of HK$1,000,000. Trafficking, which includes importing and exporting, and sale: a maximum of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5,000,000. Possessing any pipe, equipment or apparatus fit and intended for the smoking, inhalation, ingestion or injection of a dangerous drug is a separate offence: a maximum of 3 years' imprisonment and a fine of HK$10,000.

Verified Aug 24, 2026