Weed in Guangzhou: Laws, Risks, and Culture

Guangzhou, one of China’s largest and most vibrant cities, follows strict national drug laws, making cannabis highly illegal. Unlike in many Western countries where marijuana has been legalized or decriminalized, China maintains a zero-tolerance policy, and the consequences for possession, use, or trafficking can be severe.

Despite this, Guangzhou, being an international trade hub with a diverse population, has a small underground cannabis scene, mainly among expatriates and wealthier locals. However, due to heavy police surveillance and strict enforcement, using weed in Guangzhou is extremely risky.

Cannabis Laws in Guangzhou

China’s drug laws are among the strictest in the world, and Guangzhou is no exception. Cannabis is classified as a dangerous narcotic, and any association with it can lead to severe punishment.

Possession and Use – Even having a small amount of marijuana can lead to arrest, fines, and forced rehabilitation. First-time offenders may face weeks to months in detention, while repeat offenders risk long-term imprisonment.
Trafficking and Distribution – Selling or distributing cannabis is considered a major crime in China, punishable by years in prison, life sentences, or even the death penalty in extreme cases.
Medical Cannabis – Unlike in countries that have legalized cannabis for medical use, China has no legal medical marijuana program.

Police in Guangzhou often conduct random drug tests, especially on expatriates, nightlife workers, and people associated with the underground party scene. Even if you smoked weed in another country, a positive drug test in China can still lead to arrest and deportation.

Cannabis Culture in Guangzhou

Cannabis is not widely accepted in Chinese society, and public attitudes remain largely negative. The majority of Guangzhou residents associate marijuana with drug abuse and criminal behavior, and open discussions about cannabis are rare.

Who Uses Cannabis in Guangzhou?

Expatriates – Some foreigners, especially those from countries where weed is legal, attempt to access it but quickly realize the risks outweigh the rewards.
Wealthy Locals – Some individuals in high-status social circles may use cannabis in private settings, but this is not common.
Artists and Musicians – There is a small underground scene where some artists experiment with weed, but due to heavy police monitoring, it remains highly secretive.

Unlike in cities like Los Angeles or Amsterdam, there are no legal dispensaries, cannabis cafes, or public smoking areas in Guangzhou.

How People Try to Access Weed in Guangzhou

Due to strict laws and police presence, cannabis is not easily available in Guangzhou. However, some people attempt to obtain it through:

Underground dealers – Risky and often linked to police stings or scams.
Online markets – Some people try to buy through encrypted apps, but China’s surveillance system makes this highly dangerous.
Smuggling – Some foreigners try to bring weed into Guangzhou, but border security is tight, and penalties are harsh.

Most cannabis found in Guangzhou is low-quality “brick weed” from Southeast Asia, as high-quality strains are rare and expensive.

Police Crackdowns and Legal Risks

Guangzhou authorities conduct regular drug crackdowns, and police actively target:

Bars and nightclubs, especially those frequented by foreigners.
Apartment raids, where police inspect homes for illegal substances.
Workplaces, where employees can be subject to random drug tests.
Border control, where customs officers screen travelers for drugs.

China’s legal system does not distinguish between personal use and trafficking—any involvement with weed can result in serious consequences.

Public Attitudes Toward Cannabis

Most Guangzhou residents strongly oppose marijuana, viewing it as a dangerous drug.
There is no major push for legalization, and cannabis reform is unlikely in the near future.
CBD products exist, but their use is minimal, and public awareness is low.

The Future of Cannabis in Guangzhou

China has no plans to legalize cannabis, and Guangzhou will continue to enforce strict drug laws. While other countries are moving toward legalization, China’s stance remains firm, and anyone caught with weed faces serious legal consequences.

For locals and foreigners alike, the best advice is to completely avoid any involvement with cannabis in Guangzhou. The risks—including arrest, imprisonment, and deportation—are simply too high.