Hong Kong is one of many counties where the stigma around cannabis use is very much alive. Even with all of the medical benefits of CBD being brought to light, Most asian countries still associate it with drug use and see it as taboo. People in Hong Kong don’t yet understand the differences between CBD and THC, and most are completely unaware that only THC is considered illegal.
Henry Leung is the founder of OH CBD Beer, the first ever CBD product to be created and manufactured in Hong Kong. Leung worked in the local entertainment industry as a creative director and event producer. He started the company last year by rounding up two cofounders with experience in brewing, and his product took off from there. “I teamed up with them to create a bespoke craft beer label for our own fun. One day I had a sudden idea to marry hemp and hop in a same product, at that time the first CBD beer was launched.” Leung said.
“I believe CBD is going to be trending around the world and I would like to promote the natural treatment for wellness in my region. Beer is a good medium to reach out to the crowd,” he said. He and his team created a CBD infused IPA with 3.5% abv. He sources his quality CBD from the US and claims that the beer is “hangover-free”. It debuted on January 11th in an art gallery in Soho. The response was incredible. They were approached by bars, restaurants, and bottle shops throughout Hong Kong and the 2,000 bottle batch sold out within 10 days.