TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Ministry of Justice said the possession and use of cannabis would remain illegal following a protest calling for its liberalization Saturday.

The Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act lists cannabis as a category 2 narcotic. Manufacturers, transporters, and dealers of the drug can receive a maximum sentence of life in prison or a maximum fine of NT$15 million (US$460,000).

A street next to Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan was the scene for the seventh “Green Wave” protest Saturday, demanding the removal of cannabis from anti-drug campaigns, per CNA. The protesters also wanted a liberalization of the THC content and an alignment of the treatment of cannabis with international agreements.

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol was one of the key components of cannabis, with any substance containing a level higher than 10 parts per million considered as illegal in Taiwan. Another component, cannabidiol or CBD, was approved for medical use only, according to the Ministry of Justice.

The marchers asked for the government to turn resistance against legalization into dialogue. They said their event was designed to clear up a number of misunderstandings held by the public about cannabis.