3 Asian Nations warn citizens not to use marijuana in Canada | Regional | New

BEIJING – Marijuana may be legal in Canada, but at least three Asian governments warn their citizens to avoid it, including spectrum possible arrest for Japanese and South Koreans.

China, last to weigh, did not go that far. His consulate in Toronto issued a statement on Friday, reminding Chinese people in his jurisdiction – and students in particular – "to avoid contact with marijuana and the use of it to preserve your physical and mental health. "

Canada legalized the sale of marijuana for recreational purposes on October 17.

The Chinese declaration, posted on the consulate websiteincluded a lengthy explanation of Canadian and provincial laws, advising them to read it carefully to avoid sinking into the new rules.

Japan and South Korea warned their Canadian citizens before legalization.

The Consulate of Japan in Vancouver warned about website that Japanese laws prohibiting the possession and sale of marijuana can be applied to acts committed abroad.

"Japanese residents and The travellers should take great care to stay away from marijuana, including foods and drinks containing marijuana, "the statement said.

South Korea held information sessions in Canada and used a government website and television programs to legislate for its citizens.

"Even in a place where marijuana is legalized, if our citizens smoke, buy, own or deliver marijuana, it is a criminal act, so they will be punished," tweeted the reporter. Embassy in Canada. "Please be careful."

No statement from Japan and South Korea has explained how they might attempt to enforce their laws prohibiting the smoking of marijuana abroad. Police and customs officials in South Korea did not respond to calls for comment.

South Korea and Japan have very strict anti-drug laws. In Korea, smoking, buying, possessing or delivering marijuana is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to five years or one year. fine of up to 50 million won ($ 44,000).

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Associated press editors Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and researcher Yu Bing in Beijing contributed to this story.

Ken Moritsugu, The Associated Press