Cannabis in Shanghai: Laws, Culture, and Availability

Shanghai, China’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, has a zero-tolerance policy on cannabis. Unlike in some Western countries where legalization is spreading, China maintains strict drug laws, and even minor possession can lead to severe consequences. While Shanghai has an international population, weed remains taboo and highly risky to use, possess, or distribute.

Legal Status of Cannabis in Shanghai

China enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the world, and cannabis is no exception. The Anti-Drug Law of the People’s Republic of China (2008) classifies cannabis as a dangerous narcotic, treating it similarly to heroin or methamphetamine.

• Possession and Use – Even having a small amount can result in detention, fines, and forced rehabilitation programs. Foreigners caught with weed risk deportation or long-term bans from China.
• Trafficking and Distribution – Selling or transporting cannabis carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty in extreme cases.
• Medical Cannabis – Unlike in some countries where medical marijuana is permitted, China has no legal medical cannabis program. However, it does cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, primarily for CBD exports.

The Shanghai Public Security Bureau conducts random drug tests in nightlife areas, particularly among foreigners and expatriates. Being caught with THC in your system—even if consumed outside China—can result in arrest, fines, and deportation.

Cannabis Culture in Shanghai

Despite the harsh penalties, some underground cannabis culture exists within expat circles and the wealthy elite. However, it remains extremely secretive, and most users take extreme precautions to avoid legal trouble.

Who Uses Cannabis in Shanghai?

1. Foreign expatriates – Some foreigners attempt to access weed despite the risks, but many quickly realize the legal dangers.
2. Wealthy individuals – A small number of elite social circles may engage in cannabis use, but only in extremely private settings.
3. Artists and creatives – Some individuals in the music and art scene show interest in cannabis, but usage is still rare due to police surveillance.

Unlike in Western cities where weed is openly discussed, in Shanghai, public conversation about cannabis is avoided, as even discussing drugs can attract unwanted attention.

Where Do People Get Weed in Shanghai?

Due to strict laws, cannabis is not openly available, but those who seek it may rely on:

• Black market dealers – Purchasing weed is highly risky, and undercover police operations often target buyers and sellers.
• Foreign connections – Some expatriates may attempt to smuggle or distribute cannabis, but arrests are frequent and severe.
• Online networks – Some users attempt to find sources through encrypted apps, but digital surveillance in China is extremely advanced, making this method dangerous.

Most cannabis available in Shanghai is low-quality “brick weed” from Southeast Asia, while higher-quality strains (hydroponic weed) are rare and expensive.

Police Presence and Legal Risks

Shanghai’s police force actively monitors drug activity, particularly in expat communities, nightclubs, and bars. Key risks include:

• Random drug tests, sometimes conducted at workplaces or apartments.
• Hotel and club raids, where police search for drugs and test patrons.
• Strict border control, making it extremely dangerous to bring cannabis into China.

Even if someone uses cannabis outside of China, they can still be arrested if THC is detected in a drug test upon returning.

Public Perception of Cannabis

• The majority of Chinese citizens oppose cannabis use and view it as a dangerous drug.
• There is no significant legalization movement in China, and the government strictly enforces anti-drug campaigns.
• Some knowledge of CBD exists, but recreational cannabis remains highly stigmatized.

The Future of Cannabis in Shanghai

Unlike in some countries where legalization is advancing, China shows no signs of relaxing its cannabis laws. Shanghai, as an international business hub, will likely continue its zero-tolerance approach, meaning weed will remain highly illegal and dangerous for the foreseeable future.