A 32-year-old woman was arrested in Hong Kong on Friday for importing cannabidiol (CBD) liquid. Her case was the first criminal conviction since the substance was banned.
CBD, a non-psychotropic derivative of cannabis, authorized in particular in France and some American states, is used for its therapeutic anxiolytic and analgesic properties.
But in February, Hong Kong enacted criminal sanctions for the possession, use and sale of CBD, legally classifying the substance in the same category as cocaine, heroin and amphetamines.
Customs discovered two vials of CBD in the convict’s belongings upon his arrival from the US in March.
She also had 2.2 grams of ketamine – a mind-altering drug used in anesthesia and as an antidepressant – and 10 syringes.
The nationality of this person was not specified.
A judge sentenced her to two months in prison.
Possession and consumption of CBD is punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines of up to HK$1 million in Hong Kong. The import, export and production of CBD are subject to even more severe penalties.