What are the hemp and cannabis regulations in Japan? Please provide specific regulations and relevant dates. Can you include all of the recent attempts at passing legislation. Do they allow inhalable CBD products like vaporizers?
In Japan, both hemp and cannabis are strictly regulated under the Cannabis Control Act, which was enacted in 1948. The regulations are among the strictest in the world. Here are the key aspects of these regulations:
- Cannabis Control Act: This act prohibits the cultivation, import, export, and use of marijuana for recreational purposes. The Act also tightly controls the use of cannabis for medical and research purposes.
- Cultivation of Hemp: While the cultivation of hemp is allowed under strict control, it is limited to licensed farmers in specific regions, primarily for traditional uses such as Shinto rituals and fabric production. Growers must obtain a license from the prefectural government, and the type of hemp grown must be low in THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis).
- Medical Cannabis: Japan does not have a program that allows the medical use of cannabis. The possession and use of cannabis for medical purposes remain illegal, and there have been no indications from the government of any forthcoming changes to this policy.
- CBD Regulations: CBD (cannabidiol) products are legal in Japan, provided they contain no THC. Importers and retailers must ensure their products are THC-free, and certificates proving this are often required at customs.
- Penalties: The penalties for cannabis possession, use, or trafficking are severe. Possession of even small amounts of cannabis can lead to years in prison. For example, in 2020, a famous actor was arrested for possessing just a few grams of marijuana and was sentenced to prison.
- Recent Discussions: Despite the global trend of relaxing cannabis laws, Japan has remained firm on its strict stance. However, there has been some discussion in recent years about reviewing the medical benefits of cannabis, sparked by changes in international attitudes and domestic advocacy.
Japan has seen very few legislative attempts to change its strict cannabis laws, and those that have occurred are primarily focused on clarifying regulations rather than liberalizing them. Here’s a summary of recent legislative actions and discussions related to cannabis in Japan:
- 2019 Clarification on CBD: In 2019, the Japanese government clarified regulations concerning CBD, confirming that CBD products are legal as long as they contain no traces of THC. This was more about enforcing existing laws rather than creating new ones.
- 2020 Discussion on Medical Cannabis: In 2020, there were reports that Japan’s health ministry was considering a review of the medical uses of cannabis. This came after a health ministry panel cited the need to prevent the abuse of cannabis while noting that a strict ban could hinder access to treatment for patients who might benefit from medical cannabis. However, as of now, no legislative action has been taken to legalize medical cannabis.
- Increased Penalties for Cannabis Crimes: Also in 2020, Japan strengthened penalties for cannabis-related crimes. The Japanese Diet passed revisions to the Cannabis Control Law to impose stricter penalties on those who repeatedly violate the law, especially in the context of cultivation and distribution. This was in response to an observed increase in cannabis use among young people and did not signal a move towards legalization but rather an increase in enforcement.
- Debate on the Use of Cannabis for Research: There has been ongoing discussion in the scientific community about the need for easing regulations on cannabis for research purposes. However, no significant legislative changes have been made to facilitate cannabis research more broadly.
Overall, legislative attempts and discussions in Japan have leaned towards tightening control rather than relaxing the laws surrounding cannabis and hemp. The country remains one of the strictest in terms of cannabis regulation, with little indication of significant policy shifts in the near future.
