China

Medical cannabis is prohibited in China. Severe criminal penalties may apply for possession, use, or trafficking.

Cannabis is classified as a narcotic drug in China and is strictly prohibited for medical and recreational use. China is paradoxically the world’s largest producer of industrial hemp (in Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces) and holds the most cannabis-related patents globally, but all THC-containing products are banned.

Ask the Expert about China

Regulator

National Narcotics Control Commission

Key Legislation

Narcotics Control Law of the PRC

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

Prohibited; large industrial hemp sec...

Key Facts

Cannabis is classified as a narcotic under the 2008 Narcotics Control Law
China is the world’s largest industrial hemp producer, primarily in Yunnan and Heilongjiang
Chinese companies hold more cannabis-related patents than any other country
Severe criminal penalties apply for cannabis trafficking, including the death penalty for large quantities
CBD products were banned from cosmetics in 2021 despite prior growth in the sector

Key Legislation

Narcotics Control Law of the PRC (2008)

Regulatory Body

National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC)

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Asia

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Prohibited

Sources

NNCC

Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis regulations change frequently. Always verify with official sources and local legal counsel before making compliance decisions.