Taiwan has more than 60,000 marijuana users and most of them are unaware of the harm the drug can do, according to the Taiwan health authority.

Many Taiwan people think they can easily give up marijuana, but in fact users can become dependent. Users may experience hallucinations and bizarre sensory phenomena, said the local official.

Marijuana ranked third in the list of drugs most used by young Taiwan people from 2003 to 2005, Taiwan local media reported, citing a senior official with the local "Department of Health".

Taiwan police recently busted a marijuana case in which criminals planted marijuana in a luxury residence. A number of local entertainment stars were suspected of involvement in the case, according to local media.

Local media said drug use is increasing among Taiwan's 2.3 million population.

(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2006)