Cannabis — Taiwan

Cannabis is illegal in Taiwan, where it is a Category 2 narcotic. Using it is a crime punishable by up to 3 years in prison, and simply having it is a crime punishable by up to 2 years, detention, or a fine of up to NT$200,000 - there is no small-amount exemption, and Taiwan's administrative-fine route covers only Category 3 and 4 drugs, not cannabis. Bringing cannabis into the country is the far bigger risk: carrying it across the border can be charged as transporting a Category 2 narcotic, which carries life imprisonment or a minimum of 10 years.

Use of a Category 2 narcotic (art. 10(2)): up to 3 years' imprisonment. Possession (art. 11(2)): up to 2 years, detention, or a fine of up to NT$200,000; 20 grams or more of pure net weight (art. 11(4)): 6 months to 5 years plus a possible fine of up to NT$700,000. Possession of equipment for using or making Category 1 or 2 narcotics (art. 11(7)): up to 1 year, detention, or up to NT$100,000. Passing cannabis to another person (art. 8(2)): 6 months to 5 years plus up to NT$700,000, increased by up to half at 10 grams or more. Manufacturing, transporting or selling a Category 2 narcotic (art. 4(2)): life imprisonment or a minimum of 10 years, plus a possible fine of up to NT$15,000,000, with attempts punishable - bringing cannabis across the border can fall within "transporting". Growing cannabis for one's own use in minor circumstances (art. 12(3)): 1 to 7 years plus up to NT$1,000,000. Seized narcotics are confiscated and destroyed whether or not they belong to the offender (art. 18).