A Taiwanese woman, known online as “Nan Chu,” was detained for four days in Shanghai after testing positive for cannabis upon her arrival in China. She claims the positive test resulted from consuming a cannabis-infused beverage during a recent trip to Thailand, where such products are legal.
In a video posted on Threads, Nan Chu expressed her surprise at the situation, stating, “I thought the worst-case scenario would be being sent back to Taiwan, but I was wrong.” Her experience highlights the contrasting legal landscapes surrounding cannabis use in different countries.
Another individual featured in the same video shared his own detention story. He reported being held for 12 days after testing positive for a prescribed painkiller for sciatica. Despite providing medical documentation, his explanations were dismissed by Chinese authorities.
Liang Wen-chieh, spokesperson for Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, addressed the issue at a press briefing, confirming that the council would reach out to the affected individuals for more information. Liang noted that China has intensified testing protocols for travelers returning from Thailand, where cannabis was legalized in recent years. Both Chinese citizens and foreign visitors are subject to these regulations. Liang stated, “If selected for testing and found positive, individuals may face detention.”
This situation serves as a cautionary tale for travelers, emphasizing the need to understand the laws regarding cannabis consumption in different countries, especially in regions where regulations are strict regarding drug use. With the increasing legality of cannabis products in some areas, travelers must remain vigilant about local laws to avoid serious consequences.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech