Japan Passes Legislation to Legalize Marijuana Derivative Drugs

The Japanese Parliament has passed a legislative amendment to legalize marijuana-derived drugs for medical use, addressing the existing legal loophole regarding the punishment for recreational use of the drug. Previously, Japan only permitted drugs derived from cannabis for clinical trials, but patients have consistently requested access to cannabidiol products derived from the plant. The amendment allows the use of marijuana-derived medicines and the cultivation of the plant for sourcing raw materials for pharmaceutical and other products. The revision of the Cannabis Control Law will come into effect one year after its promulgation, enacting new regulations regarding cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. These substances will be categorized as narcotics, effectively prohibiting and penalizing possession, transfer, or consumption of these substances. Despite the prohibition and punishment of marijuana cultivation, possession, and sale, recreational usage is currently not penalized. However, the revised law is expected to change this situation, with recreational usage potentially resulting in up to seven years of imprisonment. The new measures will introduce two types of cannabis cultivation licenses – one for medical purposes and another for other purposes such as manufacturing cannabis-based products, including clothing. These legal changes regarding the cultivation of marijuana will come into effect two years after being issued.