Why it matters: Japan has a rich history with cannabis and psychedelics, but after World War II, their drug laws were changed to align with those of the United States. Now, there is a growing movement in Japan to re-educate society about this history and push for the legalization of medical cannabis.
What they are saying: Japan has a long history of cannabis use, dating back thousands of years. Cannabis and hemp were important in Japanese culture, with hemp being used for various purposes and cannabis-based medicines available in drug stores. However, after World War II, the United States occupied Japan and brought their prohibitionist views on drugs, leading to strict regulations on cannabis and psychedelics.
The big picture: Despite the restrictions on cannabis and psychedelics, Japan has a legal loophole that allows for the importation and sale of CBD products derived from hemp. The Japanese CBD industry has been growing rapidly, and there are projections that it could reach $800 million by 2024. The country is also in the process of considering reforms to its medical cannabis laws.
What to watch: It will be interesting to see how the movement for the legalization of medical cannabis in Japan progresses. If reforms are made, it could open up opportunities for the development of a medical cannabis industry and potentially lead to further loosening of restrictions on cannabis and psychedelics.
My take: Japan’s rich history with cannabis and psychedelics highlights the arbitrary nature of drug laws and the influence that global politics can have on a country’s drug policies. It is encouraging to see a growing movement in Japan to reexamine these laws and educate society about the historical and potential benefits of these substances. The legalization of medical cannabis and further reforms could pave the way for a more enlightened approach to drug policy in Japan.
