Seoul City Urges Caution on Hemp-Containing Products During Vacation Season
Check for Hemp, Cannabis, Cannabidiol Before Purchase or Consumption
Consumption and Import May Be Punishable Even If Legalized Locally
As the vacation season approaches and more people are traveling abroad, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has issued a warning about narcotic products containing cannabis ingredients, such as gummies and chocolates, which are legally sold in some local markets. Seoul emphasized that before traveling to destinations like certain U.S. states and Thailand, where it is easy to encounter cannabis-infused beverages, gummies, chocolates, and other recreational products, travelers should familiarize themselves with the 'terms and images related to cannabis' and must verify whether foods contain cannabis before consumption.
Currently, in some countries including certain U.S. states, Canada, Thailand, Uruguay, Malta, Luxembourg, and South Africa, 'recreational cannabis' is legalized, and cannabis-infused food and beverages are sold in the market. Therefore, when purchasing food abroad, it is necessary to check for terms or images in English or the local language such as ▲Hemp ▲Cannabis ▲THC ▲Cannabidiol ▲CBD ▲Cannabinol ▲CBN ▲Marijuana ▲weed.
According to the Korea Customs Service, cannabis products are manufactured and distributed in various recreational forms such as gummies, chocolates, oils, and cosmetics, mainly in countries where cannabis is legalized like the U.S. and Canada. In these countries, cannabis cookies, drinks, and even menus pairing cannabis with pork belly are sold at restaurants and convenience stores, and in Thailand, non-alcoholic soju containing cannabis with product names labeled in Korean is currently on sale.
The issue is that even if these are recreational products like gummies or chocolates, importing products containing 'cannabis ingredients' without approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety or consuming them abroad can lead to punishment under the Narcotics Control Act. Under current law, anyone who cultivates, possesses, owns, transfers, transports, stores, or uses cannabis, or smokes or ingests cannabis or cannabis seed shells, is subject to imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine of up to 50 million KRW. Those who manufacture, sell, broker sales, or possess cannabis for such purposes, or cultivate cannabis for export, sale, or manufacture, face imprisonment of at least one year.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to post a health card titled 'Check Chocolates Too! Overseas Travel Advisory' on the 'Wrist Doctor 9988' app to prevent citizens from inadvertently being exposed to cannabis products during overseas travel. Additionally, information on 'illegal narcotics' will be provided through the websites of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Korea Customs Service, and the Korea Anti-Drug Movement Headquarters. Kim Tae-hee, Director of the Seoul Citizen Health Bureau, stated, "Most foods containing cannabis ingredients are unknowingly brought in, but since 'ignorance is no excuse,' individuals must be especially cautious," adding, "Please be aware that handling cannabis products even once can be the start of drug use."
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