Hong Kong is celebrating the launch of its very first CBD cafe — Found Cafe. The news comes as a shock to many, considering the fact that the special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China has long-banned the cannabis plant. 

Guests who venture to Found Cafe will have the opportunity to indulge in a broad assortment of CBD-infused snacks, such as fruity beverages, beer, biscuits and coffee. 

CBD – or ‘cannabidiol’ as scientists call it – is a non-psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant that has garnered global attention for its therapeutic qualities. Since CBD does not produce mind-altering effects, it does not breach Hong Kong’s laws.

Customers who wish to understand more about CBD’s potent properties will be indulged with information about the cannabinoid when they visit. 

“The retail and café team at Found are incredibly knowledgeable on the topic and can answer all sorts of questions from visitors, including where our products come from, how CBD works and which products might be best for each individual,” said the CEO of Altum Asia Limited, Ean Alexander; Altum is the company that established Found Cafe.

Hong Kong is one of the “most progressive cannabinoid markets”

Despite being an illegal substance across much of the globe, CBD is not classified as a dangerous drug under Hong Kong law. Notwithstanding the harsh laws that could land someone 15 years in prison for cannabis cultivation, Hong Kong is considered to be “one of the most progressive cannabinoid markets” in the world.

These were the words of the marketing director of Altum International, Fiachra Mullen, who made a point of noting that CBD products are only legal in the Chinese special administrative region if they contain zero traces of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). 

Altum is a Perth-based cannabinoid product distributor responsible for launching and managing Found Cafe.

“Unlike other parts of the region – Australia, New Zealand, Singapore – it’s actually quite a progressive cannabinoid law in Hong Kong, so we can sell most cannabinoids in Hong Kong as foods as long as we don’t have any THC in the products,” said Mullen. “With Found, we are establishing a touchpoint for individuals to access these products directly and speak with one of our knowledgeable team members about the benefits of cannabinoids.”

Customers should expect to pay a generous amount at Hong Kong’s first CBD cafe

Although Found Cafe is not legally allowed to prepare CBD-infused food and drink products on-site, guests can peruse an assortment of packaged goods. However, they should arrive prepared to fork out for their munchies and thirst-quenching treats.

The cost of a bottle of CBD-infused coffee is priced at HK$80 (around $10.32), whereas a can of CBD-infused beer costs HK$70 (around $9.32). Customers can also snack on a CBD-infused mooncake, which will cost them slightly less at HK$38 (around $4.90.)

More CBD-infused food and drink options will be available at Hong Kong’s first CBD cafe by October, when the establishment is expected to be fully operational. The business can be found tucked away on a street in the Po Hing Fong neighbourhood of Sheung Wan.