Japan's Strict Cannabis Laws Explained

Marijuana is a widely popular drug that has been used for centuries in many parts of the world. In Japan, however, the use and possession of marijuana is strictly illegal. Passed in 1948, Japan's Cannabis Control Act bans the import, export, production, sale, possession, and research of marijuana. Japan also has some of the world's harshest punishments for marijuana-related offenses, including a minimum sentence of five years for anyone caught in possession of anything with THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

Cannabis became a prohibited substance in Japan following the adoption of the Cannabis Control Act in 1948, and there have been no major changes to Japan's cannabis laws since then. Even Japan, known for its strict cannabis-possession laws, has approved the sale of CBD oil, which contains CBD, is legal for export under tight scrutiny, notes Andy Li, founder of cannabis research and advocacy organization Abacus Health.

In Thailand, the military government is carrying out an experiment to see what happens when a country in Asia, a region where drug laws tend to be harsh, legal medical marijuana. Japan's government is also set to legal medical marijuana, with the government poised to allow the use of medical marijuana for certain medical conditions. The law provides Congress with a path forward on federal protections even as it prohibits recreational marijuana use.

Researchers at the University of Tokyo in Japan used a Syrian golden hamster model to study the effects of cannabis-based medicines. Way, way behind, there is officially no legal access to medical cannabis in Japan. But some people are finding relief with hemp-derived CBD products, which is legal in Japan, although possession is punishable by up to five years in jail. This rises to a minimum of 10 years for those caught with over 10 grams.

In conclusion, while marijuana is strictly illegal in Japan, the government is slowly beginning to consider the possibility of legal medical marijuana. However, the penalties for possession of anything with THC are still severe, and those caught in possession can face a minimum sentence of five years. hemp-derived CBD products are currently legal for export, and some people are using it for medical relief.