No. Delta 9 THC remains strictly prohibited under South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act, with possession, use, or distribution criminalized regardless of source. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) classifies all tetrahydrocannabinols as Schedule 1 narcotics, and recent 2024 amendments to the Act expand penalties for synthetic or imported THC variants. Travelers face severe consequences, including imprisonment up to 5 years or fines up to ₩50 million, with no exceptions for hemp-derived or CBD products containing trace THC.
Key Regulations for Delta 9 THC in South Korea
- Absolute Prohibition: The Narcotics Control Act (Article 2, Paragraph 1) bans all forms of Delta 9 THC, including naturally occurring, synthetic, or trace amounts in CBD products. The MFDS enforces this via mandatory drug testing for imports.
- Strict Penalties: Violations incur up to 5 years imprisonment or ₩50 million fines under the Act’s 2024 revisions, which now target even incidental THC exposure (e.g., residual contamination in hemp products).
- Border Enforcement: Customs (Korea Customs Service) conducts rigorous inspections at Incheon International Airport and other ports, seizing THC-containing items without judicial review. CBD products must provide MFDS-issued “THC-free” certificates to avoid confiscation.