The control of cannabidiol (CBD) as a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO) (Cap. 134) will come into effect tomorrow (February 1).
 
     To safeguard public health and combat drug problems, CBD has been added to the First Schedule to the DDO in 2022 and the substance will be under the same strict control as other dangerous drugs under the DDO starting from tomorrow.
 
     Prior to the commencement of the new law, the Government has arranged disposal boxes for the voluntary disposal of CBD products and has provided further assistance for bulk disposal. As at January 29, around 77 400 items containing CBD were collected, which are mainly skin care products, edible oils, health supplements, etc.
 
     The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) will continue their efforts to combat drug crimes, including those involving CBD. Trafficking and illicit manufacturing of CBD and its products are liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million. Possession and consumption of the substance in contravention of the DDO will be subject to a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment and a fine of $1 million.
 
     The Government appeals to members of the public to call the HKPF's drug reporting hotline 2527 1234 or the C&ED's hotline 2545 6182 if they have any information about CBD, as well as other dangerous drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, ketamine and "ice". The Government also wishes to reiterate that travellers must not bring CBD and its products into Hong Kong from abroad.
 
     The website of the Narcotics Division (www.nd.gov.hk) contains detailed information about drugs. To seek information or assistance from social workers, members of the public can also make use of instant messaging applications "WhatsApp" and "WeChat" by sending messages to 98 186 186, or call the 24-hour hotline 186 186.

Ends/Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:00

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