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Cannabis and hemp laws
Japan
Recreational cannabis illegal (up to 7 yrs prison since Dec 2024); CBD/hemp legal under strict MHLW limits
Adult use
Illegal
Medical
Limited
Last reviewed
May 28, 2026
Japan
Cannabinoid status board
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Japan
Latest news and analysis
FAQ
Common questions
Is marijuana legal in Japan?
No, cannabis is strictly illegal in Japan, and since December 12, 2024 even using it is a crime punishable by up to seven years in prison.
Is CBD legal in Japan?
CBD is legal in Japan but governed by what MHLW calls the strictest THC residue standard in the world. Effective December 12, 2024, Japan abandoned its old plant-part rule (which only permitted CBD from stems and seeds) and moved to an ingredient-based regime capping THC content in finished products.
Is hemp legal in Japan?
Industrial hemp cultivation is legal in Japan under a restructured licensing system that took effect March 1, 2025.
Can you travel to Japan with cannabis or CBD?
Importing cannabis or any THC product into Japan is narcotics smuggling, prosecuted with multi-year prison sentences regardless of foreign prescriptions or medical cards. CBD imports are permitted but heavily documented.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Seed Legality
Viable seeds are tightly controlled under the revised Cannabis Control Act; only licensed growers may obtain them.
Hemp seeds
Restricted
Marijuana seeds
Illegal
Sale
Illegal
Transacting
Illegal
Gifting
Illegal
The revised Cannabis Control Act (Act No. 84 of 2023), in force since 12 December 2024 together with amendments to the Narcotics Control Act, replaced Japan's 1948 regime, criminalized cannabis use and confined cultivation to a two-tier licence system operating from March 2025. Type 1 prefectural licences cover low-THC hemp (0.3% or less, dry weight) that must be grown from approved seed varieties, while Type 2 licences from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare cover cultivation for medical raw materials. Unlicensed sale, purchase or transfer of germinable cannabis seeds is prohibited; only sterilized (non-viable) seeds circulate freely for food use.
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This section is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Seed laws change frequently — verify current law with qualified counsel before making decisions.