Japan Enforces Strict Cannabis Ban with New Legal Reforms

Japan has enacted revised laws criminalizing the use of cannabis and THC, with penalties including up to seven years in prison, amid rising drug abuse among young people. While possession and cultivation were already illegal, the new laws classify these substances as narcotics. The revisions also legalize medical cannabis products proven safe and effective, aligning with international practices. In 2023, cannabis-related investigations in Japan surpassed those for methamphetamine, with a significant portion involving individuals under 30.