Reefer Madness in East Asia: Cannabis Criminalization in China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This thematic panel delves into the complex landscape of cannabis criminalization and legalization efforts in East Asia, focusing on China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

a) Objective:The objective of the panel is to analyze the regulatory frameworks, societal attitudes, and policy debates surrounding cannabis use within the entertainment circles of East Asian countries.

b) Data/Methods:Each paper employs a qualitative approach to examine the historical context, legal frameworks, and societal perceptions of cannabis. Data sources include legislative documents, policy reports, scholarly literature, and media sources.

c) Results: In China, stringent prohibition policies persist despite global trends towards legalization. South Korea has recently allowed limited medicinal cannabis use, reflecting evolving societal attitudes. Japan maintains strict anti-cannabis laws, but internal debates on reform are emerging. Taiwan navigates complex legal and political landscapes regarding cannabis regulation.

d) Conclusions/Implications: The panel's findings highlight the diverse approaches to cannabis regulation in East Asia and underscore the importance of considering cultural, political, and historical contexts in drug policy debates. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informing future policy decisions and promoting evidence-based approaches to drug regulation in the region.

Sub Unit

• Area IX. Comparative & Historical Perspectives: / 65. Cross-National Comparison of Crime & Justice

Individual Presentations

• Silent Shadows: Cannabis Prohibition and Reform in China's Entertainment Industry - Jaeyoun Won, Yonsei University, South Korea

• Navigating Cannabis Legality: South Korea's Medicinal Use Legalization and the Entertainment World - William Andrew Hayes, Gonzaga University

• Beyond Tradition: Cannabis Criminalization and Reform in Japan's Entertainment Circle - Scott North, Osaka University

• Green Lights and Red Tape: Cannabis Regulation and Reform in Taiwan's Entertainment Scene - Hwa-Jen Liu, National Taiwan University

Chair

• William Andrew Hayes, Gonzaga University

Discussant

• Scott North, Osaka University