Macau is globally known as the “Vegas of China”. It is located 37 miles west of Hong Kong, and consists of the Macau Peninsula (attached to the mainland China) and the small islands of Taipa and Coloane – all connected by a bridge or causeway. Macau is considered a Special Administrative Region of China, bound by China’s ratification of the treaty with Portugal. Like Hong Kong, Macau has its own monetary system, immigration controls and legal system that are completely separate from China. It operates as an independent city-state. Under the agreement signed by Portugal and China, China will not interfere in Macau’s way of life until 2049. Which effectively means China won’t try and enforce communism.
Smoking in Macau is regulated more strict than in mainland China. May 2009, the government announced a planned indoor smoking ban for all public places, “to create a fair environment where smokers have the freedom to smoke and non-smokers also have the freedom not to inhale second-hand smoke,” issued by the Health Bureau director Lei Chin Ion. April 2009, government raised the tobacco sales taxes by 300%. Smoking is not banned in Macau’s casinos, which is the major source of tourism. Cannabis in Macau has been illegal since 1969. The territory is known for illicit smuggling of drugs, specifically ketamine. Police are highly focused on drug trafficking that is mainly concentrated on docks. Cannabis commands a high retail price. Buying/selling and smoking weed carry a maximum sentence of 7 years in jail and a fine of HK$1,000,000 (USD $128,205). Prison sentences for smoking are rare but substantial fines are strictly enforced. Any person who cultivates any plant or genus of cannabis face larger fine and usually a maximum 15 year jail sentence. Mild debate on legalizing cannabis in Macau but it’s unlikely to occur in the near future.
In conclusion, do not get caught individually growing, purchasing or smoking marijuana in Macau, China. Several companies have invested in growing multiple strains of low-TCH in various areas of China. This growth has been made possible by government-funded scientists who study the plant’s military uses including as medication and fabric for uniforms. As a result, more than half of the world’s 600-plus patents related to the plant are now being held in China, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization. Cannabis in Western medicine is becoming accepted, the predominance of Chinese patents suggests that pharmaceutical sciences are evolving quickly in China, outpacing Western capabilities. This community continues to emerge as premier contributors to the science surrounding medical cannabis and secure their position in the billion dollar cannabis industry.
Recent Comments