Is Marijuana Legal in China? What Tourists Need to Know
Posted on December 8, 2025 by CSK Team
No. Marijuana is completely illegal in China with severe penalties.
This is not like some Western countries where laws are relaxed. China takes drug offenses extremely seriously.
The Law
Legal Status
All cannabis products are illegal:
- Marijuana
- Hashish
- CBD oil
- Edibles
- Any cannabis product
Zero tolerance. No medical exceptions. No recreational allowance.
Penalties
For possession (personal use):
- 10-15 days detention
- Fines
- Deportation for foreigners
- Visa blacklist
For trafficking/selling:
- Years to life imprisonment
- Death penalty for large quantities
These are real penalties that are enforced.
What This Means for Travelers
Don't Bring Any
Do not bring:
- Marijuana in any form
- CBD products (even "legal" ones from home)
- Cannabis-containing foods
- Hemp products with THC
- Anything cannabis-related
Even CBD oil from the US/Canada: Illegal in China.
Don't Buy Any
- Not available legally anywhere
- Black market exists but dangerous
- Police actively enforce
- Foreigners are not exempt
Don't Use Any
- Drug testing possible
- Random tests have happened
- Positive test = same as possession
- THC stays in system for weeks
The Reality
Enforcement Is Real
China actively:
- Tests suspected drug users
- Arrests foreigners for drug offenses
- Deports violators
- Publicizes some cases as warnings
Stop Googling. Start Traveling.
Everything You Need in One Kit.
The same problems you're reading about? We've solved them all. Get instant access to battle-tested guides that actually work in 2025.
- ✓VPN that works — tested monthly, not some outdated list
- ✓Pay anywhere — Alipay/WeChat setup in 10 minutes
- ✓Never get lost — offline taxi cards for 50+ destinations
- ✓Emergencies covered — hospital finder, pharmacy phrases, SOS cards
Less than a cup of coffee. 100% refund if not satisfied.
You Will Not Get Away With It
- Dogs at some entry points
- X-ray inspection of luggage
- No "looking the other way"
- Not worth any risk
CBD Products
Also Illegal
Even though CBD is:
- Legal in many Western countries
- Sold in health stores at home
- Often marketed as "non-psychoactive"
In China:
- Classified same as cannabis
- Illegal to possess
- Illegal to import
- No exceptions
Leave CBD at home. Don't bring any.
What If You Use at Home?
Drug Testing Risk
Rare but possible:
- Some entry points have tested foreigners
- Workplace testing in China exists
- Positive test = legal trouble
If you use marijuana at home:
- Stop several weeks before traveling
- THC detectable for 30+ days (heavy use)
- Consider risk carefully
Consequences Are Serious
Detention
- Immediate detention
- Limited consular access
- Uncomfortable conditions
- Could be days to weeks
Deportation
- Removed from China
- Visa canceled
- Future visa applications affected
- Possible permanent blacklist
Criminal Record
- Follows you internationally
- Affects future travel
- Background check issues
- Career implications
The Bottom Line
Don't bring, buy, or use any cannabis products in China.
- Laws are strict
- Enforcement is real
- Penalties are severe
- Not worth any risk
If cannabis is important to your lifestyle, China may not be the right destination.
Need more travel prep information? The China Survival Kit includes legal considerations, customs guides, and practical travel tips.
Related Tools in the Kit
VPN Setup
Access blocked sites
Payment Setup
Alipay & WeChat Pay
Survival Cards
Show drivers where to go
Instant access to all 15+ tools