Culturally, Japan has always had a negative view of illicit substances. This includes Cannabis. Although it is legal in many Western Nations it is not in Japan. That being said, CBD oil is another topic altogether. Let us take a look at some of the more common questions about purchasing and using CBD oil in Japan.
IS IT LEGAL TO BUY CBD IN JAPAN ONLINE: YES
Yes. It is perfectly legal to buy CBD oil online in Japan. CBD usage has dramatically increased over the last few years and is becoming quite popular for its medical properties.
Although it is legal, the consumer must be very careful exactly what formulation of CBD they buy. Like some European nations, CBD oil can only be purchased if it contains almost no THC. Legally speaking, it needs to contain less than 0.03% THC.
Most CBD formulas made outside of Japan contain more THC than allowed by Japanese law. Because of this, it is recommended to purchase CBD oil made by a Japanese company or a company who formulates CBD mixtures specially for the Japanese market.
While many countries limit the amount of THC which can be found in CBD oil, nearly all have a lax approach to enforcement, and penalty for possessing CBD oil with higher than allowed THC content is usually a fine. In Japan, Cannabis and THC are taken much more seriously and can be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a ¥3 million fine. Best to buy your CBD oil from a Japanese manufacturer when in Japan.
IS IT LEGAL TO BUY CBD IN JAPAN OFFLINE: YES
Yes. It is perfectly legal to buy CBD oil offline in Japan. Due to its rise in popularity, over 100% year over year, CBD products have become widely available in health food stores all over Japan. In fact, it is recommended, for the reason stated above, that all CBD purchased for consumption within Japan should be purchased within Japan to ensure no laws are broken.
IS IT LEGAL TO GROW HEMP FOR CBD IN JAPAN? NO
Hemp has been grown for cultivation purposes for thousands of years. The oldest known Hemp artifacts in Japan date back nearly 10,000 years. The Japanese government's position on hemp is very clear; “It is okay for rope but not for dope”.
Growing hemp for CBD oil is a grey area in Japan. On the one hand, neither CBD nor Hemp is illegal. On the other hand, Cannabis and THC containing Hemp is very illegal, as stated above. If one was able to ensure that their particular strain of Hemp had THC levels under the legal allowance, it would be legal to cultivate it for CBD production.
It is still not advised, as the legal ramifications can be quite dire.
IS IT LEGAL IN JAPAN TO BUY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ABOVE 0.2% OF THC FOR MEDICAL USE: NO
No. THC is very illegal in Japan. It has not yet been decriminalized like in many European nations.
In recent years there have been some allowances for people who have incurable diseases, but these are hard to get and not often handed out.
IS IT LEGAL IN JAPAN TO BUY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ABOVE 0.2% OF THC FOR RECREATIONAL USE: NO
No. THC is highly illegal. The law even forbids Japanese citizens to smoke THC for recreational purposes outside of Japan, even in countries where THC is legal. As previously stated, being caught using or possessing THC can be punishable with up to 10 years in prison and a ¥3 million fine.
CONCLUSION
CBD oil is legal and readily available in Japan, as long as it contains almost no THC. THC is highly illegal and should not be purchased while in Japan.
