Is cannabis legal in Japan?

Is cannabis legal in Japan? No, and it is even one of the toughest countries on the planet regarding this subject. Legal cannabis in Japan boils down to CBD with almost zero THC and, on paper, medications subject to approval. And since the reform of December 12, 2024, the mere act of having smoked is an offense. At Tealer420, we prefer to tell you straight before your flight to Tokyo: cannabis in Japan is an absolute red line. Here is what is in effect as of October 6, 2026.

Legal cannabis in Japan: what the 2024 reform changed

For decades, Japan lived with the Cannabis Control Act of July 1948. It punished possession, cultivation, and trafficking, but not consumption. The Diet closed this loophole by passing a reform on December 6, 2023, which has been applied since December 12, 2024:

• Use becomes an offense. THC is moved under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, the same law as other narcotics.
• Sentences increase. The maximum for possession and distribution rises from 5 to 7 years, and usage is aligned with this ceiling.
• Cannabis-derived medications become possible in principle, after approval by the State, with a prescription, and classified as medical narcotics. There is no question of flower for smoking.
• A residual THC ceiling now applies to all CBD products.

Concrete sanctions, in real figures

The French Embassy in Japan cites very real convictions:

• 6 g: 3 months in prison and deportation.
• 400 g: 4 years in prison.
• 1.6 kg: 3 years and 8 months in prison, plus a fine.
• 14.2 kg: 7 years in prison and a 2 million yen fine.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeats this in its travel advice: even a very small amount can lead to a heavy conviction. To compare, in France, a small quantity is often settled by a fixed fine. In Japan, there is no such thing.

Arrest in Japan: how it works

According to the embassy, anyone found with an illicit product, even a minor and regardless of the amount, is systematically arrested. Then:

• Presentation to a magistrate within 72 hours.
• Police custody of 10 days, renewable for another 10 days.
• At the end, case closure or, more often, prosecution and detention while awaiting trial.

Since usage is an offense in itself, traces count: according to several legal analyses, a urine test could be enough to establish it. To find out how long THC remains detectable, read our article on how long THC stays in the blood.

CBD in Japan: authorized, but under scrutiny

CBD is the only hemp product legally on sale, with residual THC capped since December 2024 at:

• 10 mg/kg (10 ppm) for oils, fats, and powders;
• 0.1 mg/kg for aqueous solutions like beverages;
• 1 mg/kg for all other products.

Anything above this is a narcotic. The European limit of 0.3% THC is equivalent to 3,000 ppm. In other words, a CBD flower that is perfectly legal in France is a narcotic in Japan. Compliance is proven by a certificate of analysis, and the procedure for an individual remains unclear: leave your CBD at home.

Hemp culture, culture in general

Paradox: hemp has been cultivated in Japan since the Jōmon period, used for fiber, food, and Shinto purification rites. It survives under license: since March 1, 2025, the Type 1 license (prefectures) covers industrial hemp with a maximum of 0.3% THC, and Type 2 (Ministry of Health) covers medical cannabis.

Recreational cannabis, however, is highly frowned upon, and even stars do not escape it: in 1980, Paul McCartney spent 9 days in detention after weed was discovered in his luggage at Narita airport.

Consumption is nonetheless increasing among young people. In 2025, police arrested a record 6,832 people for cannabis offenses, 754 more than in 2024, and more than 70% were 29 or younger. Across all services, the total reached 7,120 arrests, with 72% under 30. Purchases are often made through social media, and police pressure is not easing. To situate Japan among its neighbors, take a look at our dossier on cannabis in Asia and the Middle East.

Key Takeaways

Japan authorizes neither recreational cannabis nor medical flower. Since December 2024, consumption is a full-fledged offense, sentences reach up to 7 years, and arrest is systematic from the first gram. Only strictly controlled CBD escapes the ban.

For a traveler: nothing in the suitcase, nothing on-site, no European CBD. Enjoy the onsen and the ramen.

Informative article, updated as of October 6, 2026. Sources: Japanese Cannabis Control Act (1948, reformed in 2023), Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, National Police Agency of Japan, French Embassy in Japan, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It does not constitute legal advice and legislation evolves. Reserved for 18+. Compliant with applicable European legislation (< 0.3% THC). Consumption of illicit cannabis remains prohibited in France.