Last verified: March 2026

Why Japan Tightened While Others Relaxed

While countries across North America and Europe have moved toward legalization or decriminalization, Japan went in the opposite direction. The government cited several factors:

• Record arrest numbers: Cannabis arrests exceeded 6,700 in 2023, reaching a record high for the ninth consecutive year.
• Youth concern: Over 60% of those arrested were under 30, with teen arrests rising sharply. Officials blamed social media and international normalization of cannabis.
• The "use loophole": Japan's 1948 Cannabis Control Act criminalized possession, cultivation, and transfer — but not use. This was originally intended to protect hemp farmers who might inhale trace amounts during processing. Officials argued the loophole sent the message that consuming cannabis was acceptable.
• CBD market concerns: The growing CBD market created anxiety about THC contamination and products that blurred the line between legal CBD and illegal cannabis.

The amendment aims to address the increasing trend of cannabis abuse, particularly among young people, by criminalizing the use of cannabis and strengthening controls on THC-containing products.

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Summary of 2023 Cannabis Control Act Amendment

Phase 1: December 12, 2024

The first phase of implementation brought the most consequential changes:

1. Criminalization of Cannabis Use

For the first time in Japanese history, simply using cannabis is a criminal offense. Previously, police needed to prove possession — finding physical cannabis on a suspect. Now, a positive urine test alone can serve as evidence. This eliminates the practical defense of "I used it but I don't have any."

Penalties for use mirror those for narcotics: up to 7 years imprisonment (non-profit) or 10 years imprisonment plus fines (for-profit). See our Penalties & Enforcement page for the full penalty table.

2. THC Reclassified as a Narcotic

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) has been added to the schedule of controlled substances under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act (NPCA). This is a pivotal reclassification: THC is now legally in the same category as heroin and cocaine. This has direct implications for CBD products, which must now meet strict THC residue limits.

3. THC Residue Limits for CBD Products

New maximum THC limits were established for all CBD and hemp-derived products sold in Japan:

These limits are orders of magnitude stricter than those in the United States (0.3% / 3,000 ppm) or the European Union (0.2% / 2,000 ppm). The impact on Japan's CBD market is expected to be severe — industry estimates suggest 90% or more of current products may fail to meet the new standards.

4. Medical Cannabis Pathway Opened

In a historic first, Japan acknowledged the medical value of cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals. Licensed pharmaceutical companies can now apply to develop, test, and eventually distribute cannabis-based medicines through Japan's standard drug approval process. This does not mean dispensaries, medical cards, or patient access to plant cannabis. See our Medical Cannabis page for details.

5. Law Renamed

The 1948 Cannabis Control Act (Taima Torishimari Ho) was formally renamed the Cannabis and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, reflecting the expanded scope of the legislation.

Phase 2: March 1, 2025

The second phase established the operational framework:

Dual Licensing System

A new two-tier licensing system was introduced for legal hemp cultivation and processing:

• Category 1 License: Cultivation of cannabis plants for fiber, seeds, and CBD extraction. Licensees must use approved low-THC cultivars and submit to regular inspections.
• Category 2 License: Processing and handling of cannabis-derived materials, including CBD extraction and pharmaceutical research. Requires ISO 17025-accredited laboratory testing and full supply chain traceability.

THC Testing Protocols

All hemp-derived products must be tested by ISO 17025-accredited laboratories before sale. Testing must verify compliance with the THC residue limits established in Phase 1. The MHLW has published detailed analytical methods that labs must follow.

Supply Chain Traceability

Licensed operators must maintain complete seed-to-sale tracking records, including cultivation logs, processing records, batch testing results, and distribution documentation. This is modeled partly on pharmaceutical supply chain regulations and is far more stringent than hemp tracking in most Western countries.

First Arrest Under the "Use" Law

In March 2025, Japanese police made one of the first high-profile arrests under the new "use" provision. A man identified as Takahashi was arrested based primarily on a positive urine test, without significant physical cannabis being found in his possession. The case demonstrated exactly how the new law functions in practice — urine testing now provides sufficient evidence for prosecution of the standalone crime of cannabis use.

Timeline Summary