Hong Kong Bans Cannabis and THC in Food and Drinks
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]I[/dropcap]n a recent announcement, The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department declared that cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are banned from food and drinks, in light of recent events including incidents prompted by cannabis reform in the United States and Canada. The announcement clarifies the region’s zero tolerance policy towards cannabis and other substances, and the corresponding punishments.
While cannabis isn’t common in many areas near China, tourists may be offered it in hash form on the streets of Hong Kong. But the best advice is to say no, because of harsher punishments. Recently a transshipment of 267 kilograms (588.634 pounds) of Juicy Wrap from the Philippines and with a Canadian destination was seized in Hong Kong. The shipment was valued at HK$1.5 million ($192,802 USD), and prompted authorities to clarify that the region upholds a zero tolerance policy on cannabis, including infused edibles.
The announcement was relayed in English from the United States Department of Agriculture. “Hong Kong has a zero tolerance policy for cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in food and drinks,” a March 20 release stated. “The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department recently issued a press release reminding Hong Kong people that cannabis and THC are classified as dangerous drugs controlled under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap.134). Any products, including food products and drinks, that contain cannabis or THC are also controlled under Cap. 134.”
Per Hong Kong’s Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, people who are caught shipping cannabis items can face a maximum punishment of life imprisonment or a fine of HK$5 million ($642,670 USD).
Interestingly, the announcement acknowledged that cannabidiol (CBD) is “not a dangerous drug controlled under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance,” but explained that it’s very difficult to extract CBD without any traces of THC. Traces of THC would result in a punishment that’s probably harsher than what a person would face in say, Canada or the United States. For this reason, Hong Kong authorities advised international traders to avoid cannabinoids including CBD, even though pure CBD is legal.
After a 99-year lease with the British Empire expired, the Hong Kong colony and territory was transferred back to The People’s Republic of China in 1997. As a special administrative region, Hong Kong’s government is still separate from China, which promoted economic growth. The city is now home to the highest number of skyscrapers in the world above 150 meters.
