A civil society organization advocating for cannabis decriminalization held a rally outside the Legislative Yuan in Taipei on Saturday, urging the government to end its stringent policies on marijuana. The event, dubbed ‘2025 Green Sensation,’ was organized by the Taiwan Weed Safety Education Association, which called on lawmakers and President William Lai to reform cannabis laws that they described as discriminatory.
During the rally, participants pressed for the elimination of restrictions on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a key psychoactive compound in cannabis. They requested that Taiwan align its cannabis legislation with international standards and remove marijuana from anti-drug campaigns promoted by the government.
The rally featured performances from local bands, including jazz group Soul Heist and rock band Chillsome, and included a march through the streets. A volunteer at the event, identified only as Wu, noted that many misconceptions about marijuana still persist among the Taiwanese public. He expressed hope that the rally would raise awareness and spark more discussion about cannabis issues.
In response to the rally, the Ministry of Justice reiterated that cannabis remains illegal in Taiwan. The Ministry emphasized that possession or use of cannabis will result in prosecution as a serious crime. According to the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, cannabis is classified as a Category II narcotic under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act, which covers more than 65 chemical compounds, including THC and cannabidiol (CBD). While THC can lead to physical dependence and mental health issues, CBD is permitted for medical use under specific regulations.
The Ministry specified that any product containing over 10 parts per million of THC is classified as a Category II narcotic unless authorized for medical or scientific purposes. Penalties for cannabis-related offenses are severe; individuals convicted of using a Category II narcotic may face up to three years in prison, while those found guilty of possession could be sentenced to two years.
The rally underscores a growing movement in Taiwan advocating for changes to outdated cannabis laws, reflecting a broader shift in public opinion towards more progressive drug policies.
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