China has become one of the latest Asian countries to send a firm warning to its citizens in Canada over the use of marijuana. This comes days after the legalization of recreational marijuana. “The legalization has become a hot-button topic among the Chinese population, splitting it along generational lines.”
“A statement posted on the website of the Chinese consulate in Toronto reminds citizens in its jurisdiction to avoid using marijuana to ensure their physical and mental health. Japan and South Korea have gone farther than China. Both warned citizens that they could be prosecuted at home for using marijuana in Canada.”
“A South Korean Embassy statement said it is a criminal act to smoke, purchase, possess or deliver marijuana, even in a place where it is legal.”
What remains Illegal?
The consulate letter lists specific terms around the legal use of marijuana. Some of the laws insisted upon include the sale of marijuana to persons under the age of 18 years old and a firm warning was sent to those who may attempt to carry it through customs which remains illegal.
“If someone breaks the law on marijuana regulation and is sentenced, that person with a criminal record can possibly be deported.” It went on to warn people not to “misunderstand” and “do as you wish”.
This change has led to a cultural divide among the Asian-Canadians. Some young Chinese have praised the move by the Canadian governments while some older citizens have been critical.
Some have taken to the internet to voice their concerns on the “dangers’ posed by the drug, with alarmist posts like, “You’ll never imagine how many Chinese people’s lives will be ruined by the legalization!”
“The possession, sale and cultivation of marijuana remains strictly prohibited in China and the letter, unsurprisingly, warned people not to try to take the drug abroad.”
