Hello friends,
I know this is mostly unrelated to the subject here, but the title was kind of inviting it, so I’d just like to ask: would anyone happen to know if medical marijuana is available/legal here in Taiwan? If yes, what’s the standard procedure to obtaining a doctor’s recommendation or ID card?
Much appreciated 
I’ve moved this from Food & Drink to Health; mods there can do with it as they see fit.
To the OP, I think the answer is “no, don’t even think about it”.
Can’t. Impossible. Lengthy jail terms. Rehab.
However, it is VERY easy to get coedine-laced cough medicine here. Cheap, brown and nasty, but take enough of it and it does the job.
If medicinal includes euthiasia then by all means, bring a few kilos over with you.
No, medical marijuana, in tablet form or otherwise, is not available here, at least not yet. It’s a shame, as it has a genuine role in treating certain things (chemotherapy-induced nausea, for example).
The only codeine-containing cough syrups available OTC nowadays in Taiwan have a mixture of other ingredients (typically antihistamines, expectorants, etc.) and the amount of codeine is so low as to be useless. Even if you were prescribed pure codeine phosphate tablets, they are really only helpful for mild-moderate pain (I’m assuming the OP is asking about MM in relation to its use in treating pain). Doctors here do not like prescribing opioids, even for severe pain, unless it involves an older patient with malignant pain. There are exceptions, but generally opiophobia is widespread here (it’s pretty much the opposite to the States, where even minor injuries are treated with at least codeine, and quite often hydrocodone).
Sorry. The only medicine in Taiwan is the profitable type.
Cheap, own grown, effective methods are strictly prohibited and face lengthy jail terms.
Ah, got it. Thanks fellas. Appreciate all your inputs.
[quote=“Walis”]No, medical marijuana, in tablet form or otherwise, is not available here, at least not yet. It’s a shame, as it has a genuine role in treating certain things (chemotherapy-induced nausea, for example).
The only codeine-containing cough syrups available OTC nowadays in Taiwan have a mixture of other ingredients (typically antihistamines, expectorants, etc.) and the amount of codeine is so low as to be useless. Even if you were prescribed pure codeine phosphate tablets, they are really only helpful for mild-moderate pain (I’m assuming the OP is asking about MM in relation to its use in treating pain). Doctors here do not like prescribing opioids, even for severe pain, unless it involves an older patient with malignant pain. There are exceptions, but generally opiophobia is widespread here (it’s pretty much the opposite to the States, where even minor injuries are treated with at least codeine, and quite often hydrocodone).[/quote]
those cough syrups sound nasty…
yeah, theyre used for many legit causes like as an aid for chemo induced nausea, clinical depression, anxiety/panic attacks, pain treatment… and more. in any case, hope for the best and things - may - possibly change (?) in the future, though I suspect I won’t be here by then to witness the formosan population discover the many wonders of such herbal therapy.