Japan’s parliament has recently taken a groundbreaking step by legalizing medicines derived from cannabis, a decision approved in the upper house, permitting the use of cannabis-based medical products, according to reports from the South China Morning Post.
The newly enacted laws, set to take effect within a year, classify cannabis and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive chemical in cannabis) as regulated narcotics. While this legalizes their medical usage, it also reinforces Japan’s stringent position on cannabis, showcasing a balancing act between acceptance for therapeutic purposes and a commitment to strict control.
Patients seeking cannabis-based medications, particularly those incorporating non-psychoactive CBD (cannabidiol), have cause for celebration. CBD, renowned globally for its application in treating conditions like severe epilepsy, is now part of the authorized pharmacopeia under these new regulations.
In response to an upswing in cannabis-related arrests, Japan has closed legal loopholes that previously allowed the inhalation of marijuana but penalized possession with potential imprisonment of up to five years. The revised laws introduce even stricter penalties, with individuals caught using or possessing marijuana potentially facing prison sentences of up to seven years.
These legislative changes reflect authorities’ efforts to curb the increasing trend of marijuana abuse, especially among young people. The move aims to send a strong deterrent message, aligning with the government’s commitment to maintain societal order and discourage illicit drug use.
While the legal landscape toughens on recreational cannabis use, Japan’s CBD market, valued at $59 million in 2019, continues to thrive. Interestingly, the new laws choose to focus on regulating THC—the psychoactive component responsible for the ‘high’—leaving CBD products unregulated and readily accessible.
Notably, the revised legislation introduces two distinct licenses for cultivating cannabis—one for medicinal purposes and another for applications like hemp. These changes are set to come into effect two years after the official announcement, signifying a comprehensive approach to the regulation of cannabis-related activities.
Japan’s anti-cannabis laws, deeply rooted in history since 1948, have long carried a stigma against marijuana. The nation’s decision to revise its stance, while significant domestically, aligns with the broader trend in Asia of adopting strict penalties for drug-related offenses, emphasizing a collective commitment to maintaining stringent control over narcotics.
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