China (PRC): Cannabis Laws & CBD Rules
Last updated: June 18, 2026
Legal notice: Informational only--not legal advice. China enforces strict national drug laws. Always verify on official PRC portals linked below. See Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty and Terms of Use.
High-Level Status
- Illegal for recreational use nationwide; strict enforcement under the Anti-Drug Law and the Criminal Law.
- CBD & cannabis-derived ingredients in cosmetics: Banned since May 2021 under NMPA regulatory notice (cosmetics). Cross-border e-commerce is also affected.
- Hemp: Industrial uses (fiber/seed) are regulated; this does not permit consumer cannabis products.
Practical Safety Notes
- Do not possess, consume, buy, or transport cannabis in the PRC.
- CBD cosmetics and cannabis-derived cosmetic ingredients are not permitted.
- Mainland rules differ from some other jurisdictions in Greater China (e.g., Hong Kong banned CBD in 2023); always check local enforcement.
Keep Learning
- Global context: Cannabis Laws by Country & Region
- Safety basics: Responsible Use Guide
- Our methods: How We Fact-Check, Editorial Standards, Research Updates
Official Sources (Verify Here)
- Anti-Drug Law of the PRC and related criminal provisions
- NMPA 2021 cosmetics prohibition on CBD and cannabis-derived ingredients
Tip: Government and regulator pages may be in Chinese; use official English pages where available and prefer original Chinese texts for legal precision.