Is cannabis use legal in Japan?

No. Since Dec 12, 2024, use is a criminal offense under amendments to the Cannabis Control Act.

Can I bring CBD products into Japan?

Rules are narrow and depend on product composition, origin, and THC thresholds. Verify with official guidance before purchase or import.

What happens if I'm caught with cannabis at the airport?

Customs can enforce strict penalties for import/possession. See Japan Customs' official guidance linked in Sources.

Cannabis Laws in Japan: 2024 Amendments & What's Prohibited

Plain-language guide to Japan's cannabis laws, including the Dec 12, 2024 amendments: national prohibitions, official law links, and travel cautions.

Read this as education.Check the references, verify current laws, and use qualified professionals for personal medical or legal decisions.

View 3 sources

Use for international legal topics and country-specific cannabis law articles.

Key takeaways

As of Dec 12, 2024, **use** of cannabis is a criminal offense in Japan; possession, cultivation, transfer, and import/export are also prohibited.

Japan maintains some pathways for cannabis-derived medicines; rules are narrow and tightly regulated.

Travelers should not import cannabis and must rely on official sources for current rules.

Japan: Cannabis Laws (2024 Amendments & Prohibitions)

Last updated: June 18, 2026

Legal notice: Informational only--not legal advice. Japan enforces strict drug laws. Verify on official government sites below and follow the strictest rule. See Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty and Terms of Use.

Overview

Japan regulates cannabis under the Cannabis Control Act (CCA) and related laws.
Amendments effective Dec 12, 2024 criminalize use of cannabis nationwide and adjust the framework for cannabis-derived medicines.

What's Prohibited (High-Level)

Under the CCA and related statutes/regulations, possession, cultivation, transfer, import/export, and (since Dec 12, 2024) use of cannabis are criminal offenses, subject to penalties defined in statute.

Travel & Compliance Notes

Do not bring cannabis into Japan. Customs controls are strict.
Driving while impaired is illegal under road traffic rules.
CBD/industrial hemp rules are narrow and subject to THC content and product origin controls--verify specifics on official portals before purchase or import.

Official References

Cannabis Control Act (official English translation) -- core prohibitions and definitions.
Japan Customs guidance -- import warnings and examples of controlled items.