Taipei: A Taiwanese individual has been permanently barred from donating blood after consuming cannabis gummies during a visit to Thailand, as cannabis is classified as a category two narcotic in Taiwan. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) confirmed the decision, reflecting the country’s strict drug regulations.
According to Focus Taiwan, the individual shared their experience on the platform Threads, revealing that they tried cannabis gummies out of curiosity. The individual did not anticipate the permanent blood donation ban, which was reported by the local media outlet CTWANT earlier this week. The individual explained that the blood donation center discovered the cannabis consumption through a mandatory medical history check, where they answered honestly about past narcotic use.
The individual expressed regret, stating, “I thought using cannabis would only bar me from donating blood for a year or two.” However, due to the illegal status of cannabis in Taiwan and potential risks of addiction or repeat use, the individual was marked as permanently ineligible for blood donation.
The public discussion on Taiwan’s blood donation criteria was addressed by TFDA Deputy Director-General Wang Der-yuan, who clarified that the decision is based on the country’s blood donor health regulations. Article 5, Paragraph 3 of these regulations prohibits individuals with a history of narcotic use from donating blood permanently.
The Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act classifies narcotics into four categories based on their potential for habitual use, abuse, and societal danger. Cannabis, like opium poppy and amphetamines, is categorized as a “category two” narcotic. It contains over 65 alkaloid compounds, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the primary ones. According to a Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau release, THC affects the central nervous system and may lead to dependence and psychiatric disorders, justifying its classification under the act.
Under Taiwanese law, any product with more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of THC is classified as a category two narcotic. For context, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board in the United States measures THC in edibles in milligrams, with each serving limited to 10 mg of THC. A typical cannabis gummy contains 5 mg of THC, translating to a concentration of around 1,000 ppm, which is significantly above Taiwan’s legal threshold.