Simply put, no-weed is not legal in Japan. As of July 2, 2025, both recreational and unapproved medical use of cannabis are illegal, with strict laws and heavy punishments for breaking them. While many countries are moving to loosen rules on cannabis, Japan keeps strict control and has even made its laws tougher in recent years. This tough approach comes from long-standing rules and cultural views that see cannabis as dangerous, even though hemp has been used in Japan’s past.
Still, recent changes in the law have made space for tightly supervised use of cannabis-based medicines. While the ban on recreational cannabis has become stricter-now including new penalties for actually using weed-there are cautious steps being taken to allow approved cannabis medicines. This article looks at how Japan’s cannabis laws work, including differences between forms of cannabis, the rules for medical and industrial use, and important warnings for people visiting the country.
What is the legal status of cannabis in Japan?
Weed is illegal in Japan if you want to use it for fun. The main law behind this is the Cannabis Control Law, made in 1948. This law blocks the import, export, growing, selling, buying, and research of marijuana leaves and buds. Over the years, the government has made this law stricter with higher punishments and a wider range of activities made illegal.
A big change happened on December 12, 2024-Japan made it a crime to use marijuana, not just to have or sell it. Before, only having or trading it was punished, which left a gap in the law meant to protect hemp farmers who might inhale it by accident. Now, both marijuana and THC (the main chemical that makes people high) are counted as narcotics and bring serious penalties, similar to those for other hard drugs.
How does Japan treat marijuana, hemp, and cannabinoids?
Japanese law splits up cannabis types, mainly by how much THC they have. Marijuana, the part with lots of THC, is banned for both personal and unapproved medical use (including the leaves and buds).
On the other hand, industrial hemp is legal, but tightly controlled. This hemp is grown for its fibers and seeds, which have been part of Japanese history (clothing, ropes, food, and rituals). The main rule is that hemp-based stuff must have almost no THC. If a product from the cannabis plant is over the legal THC limit, it’s treated the same as marijuana.
Another substance, CBD (cannabidiol), is allowed only if it has zero THC. This means only products from parts of the plant like stalks and stems (not flowers or leaves) can be used for CBD. There was a recent government suggestion to limit THC in CBD to no more than 0.001%, making many in the CBD business worried that this would make selling CBD almost impossible.
Does Japan allow medical marijuana or recreational use?
Japan bans all recreational use of marijuana. Punishments are strong, and public opinions are mostly negative, with government campaigns warning of the harms. The latest changes made just using weed a crime, aiming to stop people before they start, especially young people.
On the medical side, things are changing, though very slowly. In December 2023, a law was passed to allow certain cannabis-based medicines if they pass tests and rules set by the country’s drug regulators. This is a big change from Japan’s old rule of “no medical weed at all.” That said, anything containing THC is still under heavy control, with only certain makers or sellers allowed, and stricter rules will come at the end of 2024.
Japan’s Cannabis Laws and Penalties
Japan is known for its harsh drug laws and zero-tolerance approach to weed. The main focus is to stop people from using, possessing, or trafficking cannabis by threatening strict penalties. This reflects strong government and social opposition to drugs.
Main cannabis laws and enforcement
The main law is the Cannabis Control Law from 1948. This law has been updated several times, always getting stricter. There’s also the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law, which, after changes in December 2024, now treats both THC and marijuana as narcotics-this means even using the drug comes with criminal charges.
Police and customs are very strict, doing careful checks and pursuing drug offenses actively. Recently, the rise in cannabis use, especially among young people, has made the government push for even harder rules. The law now allows police to charge people who test positive for THC in drug tests.
What are the penalties for cannabis offenses?
Japan gives some of the heaviest punishments for weed in the world. Since December 12, 2024, penalties are as follows:
| Offense | Maximum Imprisonment | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Possession, Transfer, Usage | Up to 7 years | ¥2 million (~$13,000) |
| Cultivation, Export, Import | Up to 10 years | – |
| Cultivation, Export, Import for Trafficking | Up to 10 years | ¥3 million (~$20,000) |
Japan is known to actually enforce these laws. Well-known people who break them have faced both jail time and public shame, such as actors Saya Takagi and Yusuke Iseya, who were given suspended jail sentences.
Are foreigners treated differently for cannabis offenses?
No. Foreigners in Japan who are caught with weed face the same punishment as locals. Saying you didn’t know the law won’t help. If caught with any amount, you can be arrested, held, jailed, and likely sent out of the country. A well-known case is Paul McCartney’s arrest in 1980 for bringing cannabis into Japan-he was detained for nine days before being sent home.
How do Japan’s rules compare to other countries?
Japan’s rules are very strict compared to most other countries. Many places-especially in the West-are allowing or at least decriminalizing cannabis. Japan, however, is going the other way, making its laws tougher. The government talks a lot about the supposed dangers of cannabis, links it to mental health problems and keeps a hard line to protect social order over personal freedom. Strict drug laws are also supported by deep social stigma surrounding drug use-it’s seen as harmful to everyone, not just the user.
Medical and Industrial Hemp in Japan
Japan is tough on recreational weed, but it does recognize the history and industry of hemp and, more recently, is starting to allow some cannabis-based medicines under strict control. This makes for a complicated set of rules covering different uses.
Can you grow industrial hemp in Japan?
Yes, but only under very tight controls. Hemp has been grown in Japan for thousands of years, used for rope, clothing, and in religious ceremonies. Today, growing hemp for industry is legal, but farmers must get special licenses. As of 2016, there were just 37 legal hemp farms, and most are in Tochigi Prefecture, home to 90% of all hemp farms in Japan. These farms are small, and farmers must grow a kind of hemp called “Tochigishiro,” which has almost no THC. Only a few licenses are given for farmers and Shinto shrines, which sometimes grow hemp for rituals.
What are the rules for hemp farmers?
Getting a hemp-farming license is very hard in Japan. According to the new rules under the Cannabis Plant Cultivation Regulation Act (to be fully enforced by 2025), there are two license types:
- Class I Cannabis Grower: For growing hemp with THC under 0.3% for fibers, seeds, or CBD products. You get this license from the governor, and it’s good for three years. To extract CBD, you also need a special permit from the health ministry.
- Class II Medical Marijuana Grower: New as of the latest law changes, this license allows growing plants with higher THC, but only for making medicine. This license comes from the health ministry and must be renewed every year.
These rules mean growing cannabis-even for allowed uses-is always under close watch. Only a few legal routes exist, and any illegal growing is punished harshly.
Does Japan allow any medical cannabis?
Yes, but only certain kinds and under very controlled conditions. The law passed in December 2023 allows for special cannabis-based medicines, if they meet tough standards and are approved by the authorities. Regular medical marijuana use remains illegal unless it’s via these approved drugs. Any medicine with THC is still treated as a hard drug, and only licensed companies can make and sell them. These new rules are expected to start by December 2024.
Cannabinoids and CBD: Legal Status in Japan
Japan treats cannabinoids like CBD very differently from THC. Some CBD products are allowed, but strict rules apply and buyers must be careful.
Is CBD oil legal in Japan?
Certain CBD oil and products are legal-but only if they have no THC at all. This rule is clear: if there’s even a small amount of THC, the product is illegal. Legal CBD products have been sold in Japan since 2013, and you can find CBD oil, creams, and food in stores and online.
The Japanese CBD market has grown, reaching $10-18 million in 2020. Japanese sellers make a big effort to show their products are not the same as marijuana, often avoiding cannabis imagery on packaging. However, the government has suggested reducing permitted THC amounts to almost zero (less than 0.001%), which might make it very hard for companies to keep selling CBD in Japan.
What about THC, delta-8, and other cannabinoids?
Japan does not allow any THC in products. Any item with THC-no matter the form or the amount-is illegal. This includes liquids, edibles, vapes, or flower. The same goes for synthetic cannabinoids (lab-made drugs like HHC and CUMYL-CBMICA), which are specifically outlawed. Japan’s policy is to make any new psychoactive drug illegal as soon as it appears, aiming to stop any kind of loophole that could let in new drugs.
Can you bring cannabis or CBD products into Japan?
Trying to bring in anything with THC is very risky and against the law. This could lead to arrest, a big fine, or deportation, even if the product is legal in your country. This covers all forms-plant material, edibles, vapes, and oils. Do not bring these into Japan.
If you’re thinking of bringing CBD, know that customs may not be able to quickly check for THC and could still confiscate your product or worse. The best advice is to buy your CBD only from trusted shops in Japan that guarantee zero THC and offer proof. Simply put: avoid bringing any cannabis-related products when entering Japan and only buy THC-free CBD once you are in the country.
Customs Rules and Warnings for Travelers
Travelers to Japan need to know how strict customs are, especially regarding cannabis and related goods. Not knowing the law won’t protect you-penalties are tough, even for visitors.
What should visitors know about bringing cannabis or CBD to Japan?
The main rule: never bring cannabis or anything with THC, including medical marijuana, to Japan. No exceptions are made, even for doctor’s prescriptions from abroad. There are no rules that let foreigners use weed-based medicine in Japan.
As for CBD, bringing your own from abroad is also risky, since customs officers probably can’t test it immediately, and this might cause delays or even lead to fines or arrest. For complete safety, buy only approved CBD from stores in Japan after you arrive and make sure it meets the strict zero-THC standard.
Customs inspections in Japan are tough, with bags checked and drug-sniffing dogs used at airports. Trying to hide something illegal, if caught, always makes your case worse.
Penalties at the airport and tips for safe travel
If you’re caught at a Japanese airport with cannabis or related products, you can expect immediate arrest, jail time, or deportation, no matter if you’re a tourist or not. Even famous people have been detained (such as Paul McCartney, who was held for nine days in 1980 for bringing weed). The rules apply to everyone.
Here are simple tips to stay safe:
- Don’t bring it: Leave all cannabis, THC items, and any uncertain CBD products at home.
- Be aware of what is banned: Check which drugs and products Japan does not allow. This is not just about cannabis-some medicines need permits or are banned outright.
- Don’t try to hide banned things: If you have something you shouldn’t, declare it. Hiding makes things much, much worse.
- Know the attitude: Japan is very strict about drugs. People there tend to judge drug use harshly. Follow their laws and show respect for local customs.
- If you aren’t sure, don’t bring it: When you have doubts about whether a product is allowed, it’s always better to leave it at home than risk problems.
Follow these rules to avoid trouble and enjoy your time in Japan without legal worries related to cannabis.
Common Questions about Weed in Japan
Many people have detailed questions about weed, CBD, and related topics-especially travelers. Here are some clear answers.
Are marijuana vapes or edibles legal in Japan?
No-they are illegal if they have THC. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a vape, an edible, or any other method-if THC is present, it’s banned. Vaping devices are legal by themselves, but not with cannabis or THC liquids. The same goes for food or candies made with THC. The government is extra concerned about weed in forms that might attract young people, like gummies, and has made laws to punish even use and possession of these forms harshly.
Can you use cannabis-based medicine with a prescription from another country?
No. Japan doesn’t recognize doctors’ prescriptions for weed-based medicines made in other countries. Even if you need it for health reasons, you cannot bring or use it in Japan. Only certain medicines approved by the Japanese government will be allowed, and these are not easily available for direct purchase or import yet. If you need special medicines (even those not related to cannabis), check with the Japanese embassy or consulate ahead of time to make sure they’re allowed and to learn about the paperwork or permits you will need.
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