Following the legalization of marijuana in Canada, China has issued a warning to its citizens that reside in the North American country, urging them to take heed of the dangers of marijuana use. It was the Chinese consulate-general in Toronto that issued an official statement, writing, “The consulate would like to remind the Chinese citizens in the consular district, especially international students, in order to protect your own physical and mental health, please avoid contact or using marijuana.”
The consulate went on to add the penalties of drug use in China, reiterating Article 357 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China. "It is illegal to grow, possess and use cannabis in China," they add.
That same article groups marijuana into the same category of drugs as heroin and cocaine and citizens who return home to the country with traces of THC could be convicted as smugglers and face the ultimate punishment for narcotics use in China--the death penalty.
The Japanese consulate in Vancouver also issued a warning that those found violating the country's laws can be prosecuted at home. South Korea added that any activity with marijuana that may be legal in Canada will be considered illegal and individuals will face punishment at home.
Just how well such statutes can be enforced on citizens who are overseas is another question.
Since Canda legalized marijuana on October 17th this year, other countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany have issued advisories to citizens, asking that they be mindful that their laws differ from those in Canada.