Is THCA Legal in Japan?

THCA is illegal in Japan under the country's revised Cannabis Control Act (2024). Japan revised its Cannabis Control Act in late 2023-2024, expanding the ban to explicitly cover psychoactive hemp derivatives including THCA. Japan now uses an ingredient-based standard — meaning any product containing psychoactive cannabinoids, regardless of hemp or marijuana origin, is subject to drug control laws. THCA flower is illegal because it converts to intoxicating THC when heated.

Since December 12, 2024, THC has been controlled as a narcotic under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, and Japan added a use offense — possession or use of cannabis or THC products can now carry up to 7 years' imprisonment. Japan's enforcement is among the strictest in the world for cannabis-related substances. CBD products are no longer held to a zero-detectable-THC standard; instead they must meet strict residual THC limits set under the revised framework — 10 mg/kg (10 ppm) for oils and powders, 1 mg/kg for solid products such as edibles and e-cigarette cartridges, and 0.1 mg/kg for beverages. Products exceeding these limits are treated as narcotics.

Last reviewed: August 6, 2026.