Cannabis decriminalization campaigners rally for end to 'war on weed'

Taipei, April 20 (CNA) The Taiwan Weed Safety Education Association (TWSEA), a civil society group advocating for the decriminalization of cannabis in Taiwan, held a rally outside the Legislature on Saturday, calling on the government to end its "war" on marijuana.

At the event titled "2025 Green Sensation," the group called on lawmakers and President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to "eliminate the stigma against marijuana and discriminatory policies against the marijuana community," according to TWSEA promotional materials.

It urged the government to relax allowable levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), align cannabis policy with international norms, and remove cannabis from government-led anti-drug campaigns.

The event, which began at midday outside the Legislative Yuan in Taipei, featured performances by jazz band Soul Heist and rock band Chillsome, as well as a march through the streets of Zhongzheng District that set off at 4:20 p.m., according to the TWSEA.

"There are still many misunderstandings about marijuana among the general public in Taiwan," a volunteer in his 20s surnamed Wu (吳) told CNA, and he said he hoped the event would encourage more people to pay attention to the issue.

The same day, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) reiterated that cannabis remains illegal to possess or use, and warned that such offenses are prosecuted as serious crimes.

According to the MOJ's Investigation Bureau, cannabis contains more than 65 chemical compounds, including THC and cannabidiol (CBD), which are both classified as Category II substances under Taiwan's Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.

The bureau said THC affects the central nervous system and can lead to physical dependence and mental illness, though CBD may be legally used for medical purposes under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.

Wang Te-yuan (王德原), deputy head of the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration, said any product containing more than 10 parts per million of THC qualifies as a Category II narcotic under both the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and the Controlled Drugs Act, unless approved for medical or scientific use.

Under Taiwan's Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act, persons convicted of using Category II narcotics such as cannabis may be sentenced to up to three years in prison while those convicted of possession may be imprisoned for up to two years.