Korea became the first country in East Asia to legalize medical marijuana. CBD oil in Korea is big news considering the United States has seen a boom in the cannabis market in the past few years once cannabis was legalized. Furthermore, what makes this news so shocking is that South Korea has always been against legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes. However, with this step toward legalizing medical marijuana, it might be possible that marijuana will at some point be legalized in Korea.
CBD for medical use now legal in Korea
The legalization of recreational marijuana is not coming anytime soon. However, the use of hemp oil or cannabidiol (CBD) is now legal for medical use. In addition, CBD has no hallucinogenic effects. Therefore, the medical community has tested CBD for its efficacy in neurological and brain diseases. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) will create regulations regarding medical cannabis. The regulations will be done by the middle of 2019.
The laws in Korea will be strict regarding CBD. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products will be prohibited. Not all cannabis plants are created equal. Hemp, for example, has very little THC but a large amount of CBD. It is a huge craze in the United States due to its relaxing effects. Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly how CBD affects the body. Some initial studies have shown that CBD can help with a number of different medical conditions.
The Potential CBD Market in East Asia
Early on everything regarding medical marijuana will be controlled by the Korean government. The key here is that the cannabis market now has Korea as a target market. With possible other East Asian countries following in Korea’s footsteps.
For Korean startups, this is now the perfect time to plan to start a CBD oil business in Korea. This is because if history has anything to say, CBD products will soon be legalized in Korea. Those that plan early can reap the benefits.
This is what happened in America. There is CBD in everything from lollipops to lattes. CBD products are part of what is estimated to be a one billion dollar industry in the United States. Currently, only a handful of big companies have the right to produce CBD Oil in Korea but that could change. It will only be a matter of time before Korea opens CBD to the masses. We will be seeing CBD in more and more Korean products.
The current state of CBD oil in Korea
This does not mean you can bring CBD oils or products in Seoul. Therefore don’t even think about having them mail it to Korea to help a loved one. The good news is that now people in Korea can go to a hospital and get medical CBD treatment. There have been close to 70 arrests made in Korea in 2018 for smuggling CBD into Korea. Koreans need to get a letter from their doctor explaining their condition and why CBD would be beneficial. The letter then needs to be taken to the Korean Orphan Drug Center for final approval which should not take longer than a week.
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