Japanese Health Officials Propose Revision of Law To Allow Import, Medical Cannabis

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said on Sept. 29 that it would recommend revisions to the country’s drug law, known as the Cannabis Control Law.according to Reuters, the agency expressed the need to allow cannabis to be imported and licensed for medical use. This would be in line with other countries that have already established medical cannabis programs.

Medical cannabis is regulated in the same way as pharmaceuticals, “applying to marijuana products that have been confirmed to be safe and effective under the laws governing drugs and medical devices.” Reuters.

according to the translation document Released on September 28 A large number of individuals, including professors and medical experts, contributed to the review and recommendations by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Only 1.4% of people in Japan reported ever using cannabis, according to the report. In Western countries, the percentage of consumers he ranges from 20 to 40%.

in the United States, Epidiolex It is the first CBD drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat children with epilepsy, especially those suffering from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.Current March 2019Epidiolex began undergoing clinical trials in Japan, but there have been no further reports or updates. cannabis control law, bans the import, export and consumption of cannabis. At the time, the country reported that: 3,000 inhabitants suffering from Dravet syndrome and 4,300 inhabitants suffering from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

In its current form, the Cannabis Control Act restricts all forms of cannabis advancement, including hemp.

In January 2021, Hokkaido Industrial Hemp Association (HIHA) has issued a statement addressing an investigation into cannabis and other drugs by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. “The Cannabis Control Law restricts all cannabis regardless of the amount or presence of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana, a chemically synthesized substance designated as an illegal drug in Japan). This law prohibits the cultivation of hemp from abroad that does not contain this substance (see note below). Written by HIHA“First of all, I recommend the development of a more rational law based on discussions and scientific knowledge open to the Japanese public regarding the Cannabis Control Law and its application issues.”

HIHA concluded that the Cannabis Control Act has prevented the hemp industry from thriving since it was enacted in 1948. and other relevant legislation as soon as possible to properly place the hemp industry in the legal system and balance drug control and industry promotion. ”

In August 2021, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare released a report detailing recommendations for allowing medical cannabis for patients. In May of this year, the ministry met again to continue discussions on medical cannabis, addressing the treatment needs of people who abuse cannabis use and ways to address youth consumption.

In December 2021, game company Capcom partnered with the Osaka Prefectural Police to campaign against youth cannabis consumption using the company’s fictional character Gyakuten Saiban. According to the Japanese National Police Agency, 5,482 people were arrested for violating Japan’s cannabis laws (4,537 were arrested for possession of cannabis, 273 for illegal sale of cannabis, and 230 for illegal cultivation). ).Beatles band member Paul McCartney In 1980, he was banned from Japan for 11 years for possessing half a pound of cannabis.