Introduction
Japan’s Cannabis Control Law (大麻取締法) remains one of the strictest cannabis regulations in the world. Enacted in 1948 during post-war restructuring, the law establishes prohibitions on cultivation, possession, import, export, and research unless specific exemptions are granted. Although Japan maintains a strong enforcement framework, several policy discussions between 2021 and 2025 have focused on medical research reform, cannabidiol (CBD) regulation, and the treatment of hemp-derived products. This page provides a neutral and factual overview of the law’s history, structure, penalties, and recent amendments.
Historical Background
1.1 Enactment during post-war occupation
The Cannabis Control Law was introduced in 1948 under guidance from the Allied Occupation administration. Prior to this, hemp cultivation had cultural and industrial significance in Japan, especially for textiles, ropes, and ceremonial uses.
Japanese Ministry of Justice archives
1.2 Transition from traditional hemp to strict enforcement
By the 1950s, Japan shifted toward a pharmaceutical-based regulatory approach, emphasising narcotics control. While industrial hemp remained technically legal, licensing requirements became highly restrictive.
National Diet Library
Structure of the Cannabis Control Law
The law defines and regulates cannabis through several articles:
2.1 Definition of cannabis
Cannabis (大麻) includes the cannabis plant and most of its parts, except:
• Mature stalks
• Processed fibre products
• Seeds (unless germinated)
[Source: Cannabis Control Law Article 1]
2.2 Licensing
Licenses are required for:
• Hemp cultivation (大麻栽培者免許)
• Hemp handling (大麻取扱者免許)
Licenses are issued by prefectural governors and require strict inspections.
2.3 Prohibited activities
Without a licence, it is illegal to:
• Cultivate cannabis
• Possess any cannabis material containing THC
• Import or export cannabis
• Manufacture cannabis-derived substances
[Source: Articles 2–4]
Penalties | Japan’s Cannabis Control Law
Japan maintains some of the world’s toughest penalties for cannabis-related offences.
3.1 Possession
• Up to 5 years imprisonment, with or without labour
[Source: Article 24] Japan’s Cannabis Control Law
3.2 Cultivation, import, or export
• Up to 7 years imprisonment, with possible fines added
[Source: Article 24-2]
3.3 Use (post-2023 revision)
Until 2023, the law did not explicitly criminalize “use.” The 2023 amendment introduced a specific offence for consumption of THC-containing products.
Penalties mirror possession-related punishments.
[Source: 2023 amendment legislative report]
Policy Developments (2020–2025)
4.1 Medical use discussion
Japan began evaluating the possibility of allowing medical use of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis-derived medicines, such as Epidiolex (CBD). This followed clinical evidence for epilepsy management.
[Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) briefing, 2021]
4.2 CBD and industrial hemp regulation
Japan permits CBD products only if they contain no detectable THC, even in trace amounts.
Between 2022 and 2024, several clarification notices were issued regarding:
• Import testing procedures
• Manufacturing purity
• Zero-THC verification standards
[Source: MHLW CBD import guidance]
4.3 2023–2024 Reform Discussions
Proposals included:
• Allowing pharmaceutical cannabis medicines under a controlled system
• Strengthening penalties for recreational use
• Creating a clearer distinction between hemp-derived CBD and high-THC products
The reform aimed to modernize Japan’s approach while maintaining public safety concerns.
[Source: National Diet debates]
Hemp Cultivation in Japan
Although legal under licence, the number of hemp farms has declined significantly.
5.1 Cultural and industrial use
Traditional regions such as Tochigi Prefecture still produce low-THC hemp used for:
• Shinto ceremonial ropes (shimenawa)
• Textiles
• Crafts
[Source: Tochigi prefectural reports]
5.2 THC-free cultivars
Tochigi No.1 (栃木1号) is Japan’s primary licensed low-THC cultivar.
Strict inspections ensure THC levels remain undetectable.
[Source: Agricultural research publications]
Enforcement Environment | Japan’s Cannabis Control Law
Japan has strong social and legal deterrents to cannabis use.
Police routinely enforce cannabis laws, and courts rarely offer lenient penalties.
Media coverage reinforces the country’s strict stance, particularly toward possession and recreational use.
[Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police annual reports]
Summary of 2025 Regulatory Status
As of 2025:
• Recreational cannabis remains fully illegal
• CBD is allowed only with zero detectable THC
• Medical use discussions continue but are limited to pharmaceutical formulations
• Hemp cultivation is legal only under restrictive licence
• The Cannabis Control Law remains one of Asia’s strictest frameworks
Conclusion
Japan’s Cannabis Control Law continues to emphasize strict enforcement while slowly engaging in controlled medical research reforms. With rising global acceptance and scientific review, policy debates are likely to continue, but any movement toward broader cannabis liberalization is expected to remain cautious and highly regulated.
