Japan has officially criminalized the use of cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in the plant, as revised laws came into effect on Thursday. The new measures aim to curb drug abuse, particularly among young people, while also paving the way for regulated medical use of cannabis-derived products.
A New Legal Framework
Until now, Japan banned the possession, cultivation, and transfer of cannabis but did not penalize its use. The revised laws, however, classify cannabis and THC as narcotics, imposing penalties of up to seven years in prison for violators.
The amendments also legalize the use of certain medical products containing cannabis derivatives proven to be effective and safe. These will be regulated under a licensing system akin to those governing other pain-relief drugs.
Cannabis Abuse on the Rise
The revisions come as cannabis-related offenses in Japan reach record levels. In 2023, 6,703 people were investigated for cannabis-related crimes, surpassing methamphetamine cases for the first time. Notably, 70% of those involved were under 30, reflecting a troubling trend among younger demographics.
A ministry-led survey estimated that approximately 200,000 people in Japan had used marijuana in the past year, further underscoring the urgency to address the issue.
Historical Context and Shifting Policies
Japan previously refrained from penalizing cannabis use, partly due to the risk of unintentional absorption by farmers cultivating the plant for hemp production. The revised laws mark a significant departure, emphasizing stricter control over personal use while maintaining exceptions for industrial hemp growers.
The legislative changes also rename the existing cannabis law, shifting its focus exclusively to the regulation of cultivation practices.
Hope for Medical Use Advocates
In a move welcomed by patient advocacy groups, the revisions lift restrictions on cannabis-derived medicines. While these drugs were previously limited to clinical trials in Japan, the new laws will allow their broader use under strict licensing controls.
Japan joins a growing list of countries adopting cannabis-based medicines for conditions like severe epilepsy, following their approval in Europe and the United States. This change is expected to provide relief for patients who have long sought access to such treatments.
The revised laws represent a dual approach to cannabis regulation in Japan, addressing public health concerns while embracing advancements in medical cannabis research.
