Hong Kong
Country · Asia
Hong Kong enforces strict drug laws under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, with severe penalties including life imprisonment for trafficking. Cannabis and, since 2023, CBD are prohibited. Most prescription medicines are permitted for personal use, but controlled medicines require documentation.
Traveler warnings
CBD is now a controlled dangerous drug in Hong Kong — do not bring CBD, cannabis or THC products. Penalties are severe.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for Hong Kong.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Hong Kong with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking can carry life imprisonment and heavy fines. Possession of dangerous drugs, including CBD, can lead to imprisonment.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Hong Kong with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking can carry life imprisonment and heavy fines. Possession of dangerous drugs, including CBD, can lead to imprisonment.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Illegal in Hong Kong. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution. CBD has been classified as a dangerous drug in Hong Kong since February 2023 — it is illegal to bring or possess.
Penalty: Trafficking can carry life imprisonment and heavy fines. Possession of dangerous drugs, including CBD, can lead to imprisonment.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Subject to severe penalties in Hong Kong, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances. Cannabis and THC are prohibited under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance; trafficking can carry life imprisonment.
Penalty: Trafficking can carry life imprisonment and heavy fines. Possession of dangerous drugs, including CBD, can lead to imprisonment.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Hong Kong with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking can carry life imprisonment and heavy fines. Possession of dangerous drugs, including CBD, can lead to imprisonment.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Hong Kong. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Opioids / Pain Medications (codeine, tramadol, oxycodone)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Hong Kong with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking can carry life imprisonment and heavy fines. Possession of dangerous drugs, including CBD, can lead to imprisonment.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Hong Kong. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Hong Kong with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking can carry life imprisonment and heavy fines. Possession of dangerous drugs, including CBD, can lead to imprisonment.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: Not permitted.
Subject to severe penalties in Hong Kong, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances.
Penalty: Severe penalties apply, including lengthy imprisonment and, for trafficking, the harshest sanctions available under law.
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Hong Kong with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking can carry life imprisonment and heavy fines. Possession of dangerous drugs, including CBD, can lead to imprisonment.
Prescription policy
Carry a personal supply of prescription medicine with the original prescription and a doctor's letter. Controlled medicines should be limited to personal-use quantities and declared.
Controlled substances
The Dangerous Drugs Ordinance controls narcotics and psychotropics. Cannabis and THC are prohibited, and CBD became a dangerous drug in February 2023. Opioids, stimulants and benzodiazepines require a prescription.
Customs & border guidance
Declare controlled medicines and carry documentation. Do not carry any cannabis, THC or CBD product — CBD is now a controlled dangerous drug in Hong Kong.
Penalties
Trafficking can carry life imprisonment and heavy fines. Possession of dangerous drugs, including CBD, can lead to imprisonment.
Live Alerts
Hong Kong: Severe penalties, including life imprisonment, for drug trafficking
CriticalHong Kong enforces strict drug laws under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, with penalties up to life imprisonment for trafficking. Possession of dangerous drugs can lead to imprisonment. Carry documentation for all controlled medicines and do not bring any cannabis, THC or CBD product.
Hong Kong: CBD is now a controlled dangerous drug — do not bring it
CriticalSince February 2023, CBD has been classified as a dangerous drug in Hong Kong. It is illegal to bring or possess CBD, cannabis or any THC product. Penalties are severe. Check the contents of oils, gummies, skincare and vapes before you travel.
Hong Kong: Airport enforcement of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance is strict
CriticalHong Kong International Airport strictly enforces the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, under which trafficking can carry life imprisonment. CBD is a controlled dangerous drug, and cannabis and THC are prohibited. Declare all controlled medicines, carry your prescription and doctor's letter, and do not bring any cannabis, THC or CBD product.
Documentation required
Original prescription, doctor's letter stating diagnosis and dosage, medicines in original packaging.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.