Weed in Yingge: Cannabis Laws and Culture in Taiwan

Yingge, a district in New Taipei City, is best known for its ceramic arts, historic pottery street, and vibrant local culture. While this artistic town has embraced creativity and tradition, Taiwan’s strict drug laws remain unchanged, making weed completely illegal in Yingge and across the country.

Despite the increasing global movement toward cannabis legalization, Taiwan continues to enforce one of the toughest anti-drug policies in Asia. This means that anyone caught with marijuana in Yingge—whether for personal use, possession, or distribution—faces severe legal consequences, including fines, mandatory rehabilitation, and even prison time.

Cannabis Laws in Taiwan and Yingge

Under Taiwan’s Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act, cannabis is classified as a Category 2 narcotic, putting it in the same category as MDMA (ecstasy) and amphetamines. This classification means that even minor cannabis-related offenses are treated as serious crimes.

Key Cannabis Laws in Yingge

• Possession is illegal: Even carrying a small amount of marijuana can result in criminal charges, fines, or mandatory rehab.
• Consumption is a crime: Unlike in some countries where cannabis use is tolerated in private, Taiwan bans its use everywhere.
• Selling or distributing cannabis is a major offense: Drug trafficking can lead to sentences ranging from seven years to life in prison.
• Testing positive for THC can result in legal trouble: Even if no physical cannabis is found, a positive drug test can lead to mandatory rehab or prosecution.

Penalties for Cannabis Offenses

• 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: Authorities may require forced rehabilitation or drug education programs.

Is There a Cannabis Scene in Yingge?

Because of Taiwan’s strict drug enforcement, Yingge does not have an open cannabis scene. There are no legal dispensaries, no smoking lounges, and no tolerance for marijuana use. Law enforcement is highly active in cracking down on drug-related offenses, and random drug testing is conducted in schools and workplaces.

However, despite the strict laws, a small underground cannabis scene does exist, primarily among young professionals, artists, and expats who have been exposed to cannabis culture abroad. Still, the risks of getting caught are extremely high, and even first-time offenders can face severe legal consequences, including a permanent criminal record.

CBD in Yingge: Is It Legal?

CBD (cannabidiol), which is widely available in many countries, remains in a legal gray area in Taiwan. While pure CBD is not classified as a narcotic, many CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, making them potentially illegal. Importing or selling CBD requires government approval, and authorities have seized CBD shipments at customs in the past.

The Future of Cannabis in Yingge

While many countries have moved toward cannabis legalization or decriminalization, Taiwan has shown no interest in relaxing its policies. The government continues to take a zero-tolerance approach to drug use, and public opinion remains mostly against legalization.

Although some Asian nations, such as Thailand, have begun to embrace medical cannabis, Taiwan still enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the region.

For now, the best advice for anyone in Yingge is to completely avoid cannabis. The legal risks—including potential prison time, fines, and forced rehab—are far too severe. While global attitudes toward marijuana are shifting, Taiwan remains firmly against its use.