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Japan’s parliament has made a groundbreaking move by legalizing the use of cannabis-based medicines, marking a significant shift in the country’s stance on marijuana. The decision, reported by the South China Morning Post, allows for the use of medical products derived from cannabis, a move that comes with stringent regulations.
The newly approved laws, set to take effect within a year, classify cannabis and its psychoactive component THC as regulated narcotics. While this legalization paves the way for medical use, it simultaneously reinforces Japan’s strict approach toward cannabis.
This decision brings hope for patients seeking relief through cannabis-based medications, particularly those containing non-psychoactive CBD, widely used globally for conditions like severe epilepsy.
However, Japan has also tightened regulations around recreational marijuana in response to a surge in cannabis-related arrests. Previously, inhaling marijuana was technically legal, but possession could result in up to five years in jail. The revised laws now impose harsher penalties, with potential prison sentences of up to seven years for individuals caught using or possessing marijuana.
The government’s crackdown aims to address the rising instances of cannabis-related arrests, particularly among young people. Officials anticipate that these stricter measures will act as a deterrent to the growing trend of marijuana abuse.
Despite the legalization of cannabis-based medicines, Japan’s focus remains on regulating THC, the compound responsible for inducing a ‘high.’ The country’s CBD market, valued at $59 million in 2019, remains unregulated under the new laws.
Additionally, the legislation introduces two types of licenses for cultivating cannabis—one for medicinal purposes and another for applications like hemp. These changes are set to be implemented two years after the announcement.
Japan’s stringent anti-cannabis laws, which trace back to 1948, have long stigmatized marijuana, aligning with the global trend of strict drug penalties in Asia.
While Japan’s decision marks a significant domestic shift, it mirrors the broader regional trend of imposing tough penalties for drug-related offenses.
