THE Japan, between repressive laws and social disapproval, continues to demonize cannabis. However, a molecule, cannabidiol (CBD and HHC), recognized for its relaxing and non-narcotic effects, is gaining popularity in the country, but in small doses.
A Party of Freedom: Cannabis Expo in Tokyo
In a trendy little club in Tokyo, during the “Cannabis Expo”, a party where we dance to the sound of rap or reggae while happily smoking and vaping CBD and HHC, a scent of freedom floats in the air.
Ai Takahashi, a 33-year-old professional dancer, met at this event, says: “When I was a child, I was taught at school and elsewhere that marijuana was absolutely forbidden. But being a reggae fan, I've smoked it on my travels to places where it's legal. I realized it wasn't so bad.”
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The young woman then became interested in CBD and HHC, a legal substance in Japan when extracted from cannabis seeds or stems. She assures that her mother used CBD and HHC on her advice to treat her depression, and that it really benefited her.
Growing popularity despite a bad reputation
CBD and HHC still remains a modest market in Japan, with sales amounting to $59 million in 2019, but was virtually non-existent a few years ago, according to research firm Visiongraph.
Zero tolerance for cannabis use in Japan drives sellers of CBD products and HHC to advocate discretion. In addition, smoking, even tobacco, is prohibited on Japanese streets, except in designated areas.
According to a vendor in Tokyo, 37-year-old Norihiko Hayashi, CBD and HHC is "legal, but we ask customers to enjoy it at home" to avoid trouble.
In Japan, Ryudai Nemoto, an employee of a CBD products shop and HHC in the Ibaraki department, northeast of the capital, explains that “marijuana is perceived as a substance popular with offenders” . However, he adds: “Personally, I do not share this opinion, knowing that there are people who are interested in it for therapeutic reasons, but this is not the opinion of the general public.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, only 1.4% of Japanese said they had tried marijuana, compared to more than 40% in France and around 50% in the United States.
Repression and debate on medical cannabis
Local celebrities caught in the act of using cannabis are routinely boycotted by their fans and employers. In 1980, the former Beatle Paul McCartney had even spent nine days in detention in Tokyo after the discovery of cannabis in his luggage.
Cannabis-related arrests have been on the rise for almost a decade in Japan and even reached a record 5,482 last year. While some countries have legalized weed or relaxed their laws on the matter, such as the recent decriminalization of the cultivation and sale of cannabis in Thailand, a first in Asia, Japan maintains its firm position.
However, the Japanese government is seeking to close a legal loophole regarding the consumption of cannabis, which is technically legal, even if the possession of buds, leaves and roots is punishable by five years in prison, or even seven years in the event of sale to profit-making purposes.
This paradox stems from an ancient measure to prevent farmers from being arrested for inhaling psychoactive smoke when growing hemp to make rope, for example.
Japan's toughness on cannabis dates back to the period of the country's American occupation after World War II. At that time, Americans saw marijuana as a problem and a threat, even though its use was limited and stigmatized, explains Miriam Kingsberg Kadia, a historian specializing in Japan's relationship with drugs and a professor at the University of Colorado.
According to her, these draconian laws against a drug that was not really a problem remained in force in Japan.
The Japanese government could, however, authorize this year drugs derived from cannabis, already approved in many countries. This could be seen as a first step towards the legalization of cannabis for recreational use, although CBD seller Norihiko Hayashi asserts with conviction that this will never happen, at least not for more than 100 years, because it will already be died at that time.
Conclusion
In Japan, cannabis remains demonized due to repressive laws and social stigma surrounding it. However, cannabidiol (CBD), a legal alternative to cannabis, is gaining popularity in the country, especially for its relaxing and non-narcotic effects.
Despite the zero tolerance and negative perception of marijuana, the CBD market in Japan is experiencing gradual growth. Sellers of CBD products advocate discretion and encourage customers to enjoy these products at home to avoid any issues.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a substance found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, famous for its psychotropic effects, CBD does not affect psychomotor functions and does not cause feelings of euphoria. However, it does have some potential health benefits.
Cannabis: a quick overview
Cannabis is a well-known and differently regulated plant around the world. There are several types of cannabis plants, the two most famous of which are marijuana and hemp. These plants differ in their chemical compositions and legalities.
History of CBD in Japan
Cannabis has a long history in Japan, with traces of cannabis seeds and fibers dating back to 10,000 BC. Although there is no historical evidence of smoked cannabis use in Japan, there is the plant appears to have been used for medicinal purposes. Cannabis also has great symbolic value in Japan, especially in the construction of shrines.
Marijuana and hemp: the two sides of cannabis
Marijuana is the most well-known variety of cannabis, rich in THC, which causes psychotropic effects in consumers. It is currently illegal in Japan, and its possession, use and sale are severely punished.
Hemp, on the other hand, is used primarily for industrial applications and does not contain THC. It is legal in Japan, but subject to certain stricter restrictions than in other countries.
The legal status of CBD in Japan
CBD products are generally legal in Japan, provided certain conditions are met, particularly regarding the extraction of CBD and the marketing of the products. Japanese Cannabis Control Law governs the parts of the cannabis plant that can be used to make CBD oils and other products, which must be THC-free.
The CBD and the Armed Forces
US military personnel stationed in Japan might be tempted to buy CBD locally, but the US Department of Defense prohibits the use of CBD-containing products for the military because it could lead to drug testing drugs positive.
Selling CBD in Japan
To sell CBD in Japan, it must be ensured that the product comes from the authorized parts of the cannabis plant, does not contain THC and is not marketed for medical purposes, but as a dietary supplement. It is also crucial to choose your hemp supplier carefully.
Buy CBD in Japan
It is possible to buy CBD in Japan, online or in stores. However, it is important to check that the product comes from a reliable source and complies with Japanese regulations.
The legal status of CBD in Japan
In Japan, CBD products are generally legal, but you need to be careful about how you sell them and how you extract the CBD from the plant. Japanese laws strictly regulate CBD products and their uses. However, they do not clearly differentiate between different types of cannabis. The Cannabis Control Act regulates which parts of the plant you can use to make CBD oils and other products. These products must be THC-free.
CBD in major cities in Japan
- Tokyo
- Yokohama
- Osaka
- Nagoya
- Sapporo
- Fukuoka
- Kawasaki
- Kobe
- Kyoto
- Saitama
In these cities, the CBD market is growing rapidly, and you can find quality products in health food stores and specialty shops. However, it is important to choose your products carefully and to check their compliance with Japanese legislation.
Conclusion
To sum up, CBD oil is legal in Japan, but only under strict conditions. It can be used if you extract CBD from hemp and it does not contain THC. Despite this, the number of people who regularly use CBD is growing, and you can freely buy CBD products online and in cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and the other cities mentioned above. There are several reputable brands, such as Healthytokyo, that offer broad-spectrum CBD products for purchase.
Despite the strict CBD oil regulations in Japan, we believe the future of CBD in the country is bright, as public opinion has been changing rapidly in recent years. If you want to learn more about CBD regulation in other countries, feel free to check out our other articles on the subject.
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