Weed in Kaohsiung: Cannabis Laws and Culture in Taiwan’s Southern City

Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, is known for its beautiful harbor, modern skyline, and laid-back atmosphere. However, when it comes to cannabis, Kaohsiung follows the same strict laws as the rest of Taiwan. Unlike in some Western countries where cannabis has been decriminalized or legalized, Taiwan maintains a zero-tolerance policy, making both possession and use highly illegal.

Cannabis Laws in Taiwan and Kaohsiung

Taiwan classifies cannabis as a Category 2 narcotic, which puts it in the same category as amphetamines and MDMA. This means that any involvement with cannabis—whether possession, consumption, sale, or cultivation—is illegal and carries harsh penalties.

Key Cannabis Laws in Kaohsiung

• Possession is a serious crime: Even small amounts of cannabis can lead to heavy fines and possible prison sentences.
• Public and private use is illegal: Unlike some countries where cannabis is tolerated in private spaces, Taiwan strictly prohibits all use, no matter where it happens.
• Selling or distributing cannabis is extremely risky: Drug trafficking laws in Taiwan are strict, and those caught selling cannabis can face seven years to life in prison.
• Testing positive for THC is punishable: Even if no cannabis is found, if a drug test detects THC in your system, authorities can require you to attend rehab or drug education programs.

Penalties for Cannabis Use

• Possession for personal use: Up to three years in prison and/or heavy fines.
• Trafficking or distribution: Seven years to life in prison, depending on the amount.
• Testing positive for THC: Mandatory drug rehabilitation or education programs.

Does Kaohsiung Have a Cannabis Scene?

Because of the strict laws, Kaohsiung does not have an open cannabis culture like cities in Europe or North America. Unlike Bangkok, where Thailand has recently relaxed cannabis laws, Taiwan remains strongly against legalization.

However, there is still an underground cannabis scene, especially among younger people and expats who have been exposed to more relaxed cannabis laws abroad. That said, law enforcement takes cannabis offenses seriously, and police crackdowns are common.

CBD in Kaohsiung: Legal or Not?

CBD (cannabidiol), which is legal in many countries, is still in a gray legal area in Taiwan. While CBD itself is not classified as a narcotic, many CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, which could cause legal trouble. Importing or selling CBD requires government approval, and unauthorized CBD products have been seized at customs.

The Future of Cannabis in Kaohsiung

Despite growing global support for cannabis legalization, Taiwan has not shown any signs of relaxing its cannabis laws. The government continues to enforce strict penalties, and public opinion in Taiwan remains largely against legalization.

For now, the safest approach in Kaohsiung is to avoid cannabis completely. The risks—legal, financial, and personal—are simply too high. Unlike in some countries where cannabis laws are evolving, Taiwan remains one of the strictest places in the world when it comes to marijuana enforcement.

Would you like more details on Taiwan’s drug policies or legal alternatives to cannabis?