China fascinates with its unique political situation: a democratic dictatorship, where cannabis is strictly forbidden and every movement of the population is closely monitored, not least via WeChat. Ironically, it’s also via this app that some people manage to get hold of weed. An investigation into the empire of all paradoxes.
A prohibited ancestral practice
The Chinese term for cannabis, “dama” (大麻), is one of the oldest characters in the language, testifying to the plant’s historical importance in Chinese culture. However, Chinese drug legislation is extremely strict. The mere possession of small quantities of illegal substances, including cannabis, can lead to severe penalties, ranging from compulsory rehabilitation to heavy prison sentences and even the death penalty for traffickers, especially if they are foreigners. An approach that can be used as a diplomatic weapon in the manner of Russia.
We Chat, the government deal app.
Despite the risk faced by marijuana smokers: detention for 10 to 15 days and a fine of 2,000 yuan (~250 euros), as well as the reward system set up by the police for snitching, the beautiful green herb is not declining in popularity with young people and nightlife enthusiasts. It’s not hard to find “grass” to your taste. In fact, like drug dealers on Snapchat, in the Middle Kingdom, We Chat is the name of the game. We Chat is the equivalent of a super Whats’App under government control, with functions essential to the survival of every individual in China, such as dematerialized bank accounts, ordering a cab, paying the rent or even ordering food. Despite the high risks involved (all WeChat data is likely to be seen by government agents), all it takes is a message to the right contact to be delivered to the desired location. It costs the equivalent of 300 yuan (~30 euros) for the equivalent of 10 euros worth of weed delivered to your door.
Coffee bars
But unlike in France, where ganja lovers hide relatively little in public spaces, it’s the complete opposite in China. To avoid problems with the authorities and get high safely, it’s customary to smoke indoors, either at home or to do as the young do, i.e. book a hotel room to indulge in the pleasures of cannabis without risk.
Despite some of the strictest cannabis legislation in the world, some bars can “facilitate” meetings between consumers and dealers, while being in cahoots with the local authorities. Bars are warned of the exact date of police raids, allowing them to clear the area and avoid the police.
While the legalization of cannabis in China may seem a long way off, as Xi Jinping and his government continue to impose the most repressive cannabis policies in the country, the economic prospects looming in North America and Europe could well see the end of zero tolerance… at least for exports.
