I think that many people from the west just see the most severe punishment and apply that to all cases. Prison times in China for drugs are less than even America usually. Death penalty or long prison times are only in severe cases.

It sounds like maybe you think its more severe than it is. Someone using personally caught with a small amount does not generally go to prison. I had DeepSeek summarize Chinas drug laws for you. I think they are quite reasonable honestly. Maybe could be a bit more lenient in some ways and be fine, but they do have a focus on getting people in rehab.

China enforces stringent drug laws under its Criminal Law and Anti-Drug Law, with severe penalties for offenses. Below is a structured summary of key provisions and punishments:

1. Legal Framework

• Criminal Law (Articles 347–355): Governs serious drug crimes (trafficking, manufacturing, possession).
• Anti-Drug Law (2008): Addresses administrative penalties for drug use and rehabilitation.

2. Key Offenses and Punishments

A. Trafficking, Manufacturing, Transporting, or Selling Drugs (Article 347)

• General Offenses:
  • Minimum Punishment: 3+ years imprisonment, fines.
  • Aggravating Factors (e.g., international trafficking, organized crime, minors involved): 15 years, life imprisonment, or death penalty.
• Quantity-Based Thresholds (varies by drug type; examples below):
  • “Large Amount”:
    • Heroin/methamphetamine: ≥50 grams.
    • Punishment: 15 years, life, or death + fines/confiscation.
  • “Significant Amount”:
    • Heroin/methamphetamine: ≥10 grams but <50 grams.
    • Punishment: 7+ years imprisonment + fines.
  • “Small Amount”:
    • Any detectable quantity.
    • Punishment: ≤3–7 years + fines.

B. Illegal Possession (Article 348)

• Criminal Offense (if above thresholds):
  • “Large Amount”:
    • Heroin/methamphetamine: ≥10 grams.
    • Punishment: ≤3 years imprisonment or detention + fines.
  • “Very Large Amount” or Aggravating Circumstances: Up to 7 years + fines.
• Below Thresholds: Administrative penalties (detention, rehab).

C. Drug Use (Anti-Drug Law)

• Administrative Penalties:
  • First-time offenders: 10–15 days detention + fines.
  • Compulsory Rehabilitation: 3 years (community-based) or 2 years (isolated) for refusal/relapse.

D. Other Offenses

• Harboring Users/Providing Venues (Article 354): ≤3 years imprisonment or detention + fines.
• Drug Planting/Illegal Trade (Articles 351–353): Fines to life imprisonment, depending on severity.

3. Key Notes

• Zero-Tolerance Policy: Even small quantities may lead to harsh penalties.
• Recidivism: Harsher punishments for repeat offenders.
• Regional Variations: Thresholds may adjust locally but remain severe.

China’s approach emphasizes deterrence, combining criminal sanctions for trafficking/manufacturing with compulsory rehab for users. The death penalty applies to high-volume trafficking, reflecting the strict stance against drug crimes.