Your Guide To CBD In Hong Kong: What To Know About The CBD Ban & More

Wondering what the ban on CBD in Hong Kong means for CBD users? Can you still buy CBD in the city? Here’s everything you need to know.

CBD certainly became a buzz word in the city as the hip new natural cure to anxiety, depression, insomnia, eczema and more. We saw it in our coffee, beer, hand creams and even workout leggings! Those who jumped on the CBD bandwagon have not been happy to hear that the cannabinoid product will no longer be legal in the city next year.

With the impending ban on CBD in Hong Kong, we’ve seen the closure of cafes offering CBD-infused food and drink like Found, and other physical shops and online business selling CBD products. Meanwhile, the remaining CBD stores are selling the last of their stock (with big discounts on a lot of items!) but keep in mind, you will have to dispose of your products by February next year to avoid imprisonment and a hefty fine. Read on to find out more…

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Jump To:
Is CBD Legal In Hong Kong?
What Is CBD?
How Is CBD Used?
Where To Buy CBD In Hong Kong

Is CBD Legal In Hong Kong?

Cannabidiol or CBD is currently legal in Hong Kong. However, the cannabis compound is set to be banned in the city from Wednesday, 1 February, 2023. CBD will be prohibited under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and as such, possession and consumption of CBD will be subject to up to 7 years’ imprisonment and a $1 million fine.

Disposal bins for CBD products will be placed across Hong Kong from this week.

What Is CBD?

CBD is one of the 104 known compounds in the cannabinoids group. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. This means that CBD won’t make you “high”. The oil is made from different parts of a mature hemp plant (everything from its stalks to its flowers).

Is CBD The Same As Cannabis?

No, CBD is not the same as cannabis or marijuana. Though both come from the same family, the two plants they originate from are very different.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD works through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in our body to generate encocannabinoids and process phytocannabinoids. This helps us return to homeostasis (which is the stable norm we’re constantly ebbing and flowing from). CBD combines with the body to adjust our stress response. It’s known as an adaptogen because it adapts uniquely to you.

What Are The Benefits Of CBD?

CBD is said to have therapeutic effects, like helping ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. It’s also used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidising and analgesic (pain relieving) properties. For many, this results in better sleep, soothed muscle tensions and a sense of calm or focus – though some people barely feel anything from it!

How Is CBD Different From CBG?

You may notice that a number of brands are starting to incorporate CBG, in addition to CBD, into their products. CBG is a different type of cannabinoid from CBD. It’s found in smaller quantities than CBD, so CBG products tend to be rarer and often more expensive. That being said, CBG is slowly becoming more popular thanks to early trials that show its potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Parkinson’s disease and anxiety.

Is CBD Safe?

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers CBD a safe, non-toxic and non-addictive substance.

How Is CBD Used?

For optimal effect, people use CBD daily as a form of supplement instead of treating it as medication. As a plant extract, CBD can create a synergistic effect when combined with extracts from other botanicals or herbs. For example, the sense of pain relief and anti-inflammation can be heightened when it’s combined with an ingredient like turmeric.

Are There Different Types Of CBD?

There are three main types of CBD:

• Full Spectrum CBD, which can contain a trace amount of THC (0.2-1%)
• Broad Spectrum CBD, which contains no THC but does contain other compounds
• CBD Isolate, which contains only the CBD compound.

This information should be provided on a product label, but because many CBD products are marketed as dietary supplements, there is no clear regulation.

Does The Dosage Of CBD Matter?

Different metabolisms and needs mean different dosages are required per person, and there’s no one-size-fits-all. As a general rule of thumb however, at a lower dose (5 to 20mg) CBD promotes focus and clarity, while a higher dose (25 to 50mg) is more sedating and gives a sense of calm and relaxation.

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Where To Buy CBD In Hong Kong

CBD Online

Easy convenience abounds at CBD Online – an online store offering a wide range of products sourced from some of America’s biggest CBD brands. You’ll find full transparency on manufacturing processes listed on its site, not to mention thousands of positive reviews from satisfied customers worldwide. Plus, as CBD Online works directly with manufacturers, the lowest possible prices are guaranteed. Don’t just take our word for it though – try it out for yourself. With their current “BUY 1, GET 1 FREE” offer along with up to 45% off on selected products, it’d be rude not to! And run, don’t walk people – CBD Online will close shop by the end of this year.

Use code “SASSY” to enjoy an extra 10% off your next purchase.

CBD Online, cbdonline.hk

Brae

A CBD brand by women, for women, Brae has one goal in mind: to advocate for female self-care, with a little help from CBD. The results-driven range encompasses a medley of tinctures and oils designed to encourage everything from sleep to focus.

Brae, www.bebrae.com

Calmed & Co.

If we were giving points for the most aesthetic CBD brand in Hong Kong, Calmed & Co. would win hands down. Its beautifully packaged line of CBD products includes everything from gummies to capsules and oils. Each serving is packed with a high dose of at least 15mg of CBD, promising an instantaneous effect. Did we mention that all products are GMP certified, vegan and cruelty free to boot?

Calmed & Co., www.calmednco.com

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Felix & Co

Quality meets affordability at Felix & Co. On a mission to remove the stigma from cannabinoids, this homegrown brand brings us a range of CBD products across a variety of strengths and formats, all at great prices. Rest assured, everything here, from the CBD oil to body balm and sleep softgels, is ethically and responsibly-produced, using all organic ingredients.

Felix & Co, felixandco.com

Found

Found offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality CBD and hemp-derived products, including products from homegrown Felix & Co and Life CBD. The brand’s CBD cafe and shop in Sheung Wan, which was the first of its kind in Hong Kong, has now closed business.

Found, found.hk

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HKCBD Store

From luxury skincare to oils, edibles, pet products and more, HKCBD Store has one of the largest CBD offerings in town – you’ll be spoilt for choice on options here! The team handpicks its selection of over 100 products from both local homegrown and international brands (like Green Roads and OTO, to name but a few). Pro-tip: get your order in before 5pm on weekdays for next-day delivery!

HKCBD Store, hkcbdstore.com

Kiara Naturals

Kiara Naturals has been dedicated to formulating hemp and plant-based remedies since 2005, so the brand naturally comes with a wealth of knowledge in this arena. All plants are grown, harvested and extracted at its base in Switzerland, with quality guaranteed every step of the way. The products here target pain points like anxiety, sleep and recovery.

Kiara Naturals, kiaranaturals.com

Editor’s Note: “Your Guide To CBD In Hong Kong: What To Know About The CBD Ban & More” was originally published in October, 2020 and was most recently updated in October, 2022. With thanks to Tania Shroff for her contribution.