No, marijuana (cannabis) is not legal in Japan. Recreational and medicinal use remain broadly illegal as of 2025, though recent changes have begun to shift the landscape. Under Japan’s amended Cannabis Control Law (CCL), which took effect on December 12, 2024, certain cannabis-derived drugs (especially those containing cannabidiol (CBD)) may now be permitted under strict regulation.
Hemp cultivation (for fiber and seeds) is allowed under a tightly controlled license system. Still, plants containing appreciable amounts of THC remain prohibited. Japan’s policy continues to impose penalties on possession, sale, and cultivation of cannabis for non-licensed purposes, even as the door is opening slightly for pharmaceutical use of derivatives.
Top things to remember
- Recreational cannabis is completely illegal in Japan, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison for trafficking and five years for possession.
- Medical cannabis is limited to approved pharmaceuticals only, and tourists cannot access prescriptions or bring their own supply.
- CBD is legal if THC-free, but products must meet Japan’s extremely strict residue limits.
Current Cannabis Regulations in Japan
Cannabis remains illegal for both recreational and medical use in Japan, with only tightly controlled exceptions. The Cannabis Control Law (CCL), first passed in 1948, bans the cultivation, sale, possession, import, and export of cannabis flowers and leaves. Amendments that took effect in December 2024 and March 2025 tightened penalties and brought cannabis under the same framework as narcotics, meaning that use itself is now punishable with potential prison sentences and fines.
Penalties for possession are severe: individuals caught with cannabis can face up to five years in prison for simple possession, and longer terms if intent to traffic is proven. Tourists are subject to the same penalties as residents, with no leniency for visitors unfamiliar with Japanese law.
The rules distinguish between THC and CBD. THC remains banned except in strictly controlled pharmaceutical products. In contrast, CBD products made from hemp stalks and seeds with non-detectable THC are permitted. However, residue limits are extremely strict: products exceeding as little as 1 part per million THC can be treated as narcotics. Industrial hemp cultivation is legal under special licenses, but restricted to very low-THC varieties and regulated by prefectural governments.
Medical Cannabis Framework in Japan
Japan has recently taken a historic step by approving the use of medical cannabis, though the framework remains very limited. In December 2023, the House of Councilors passed amendments to the Cannabis Control Law and the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Law. These changes, which began rolling out in late 2024 and 2025, allow for the use of cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals such as Epidiolex, a CBD-based medicine used to treat severe forms of epilepsy. This marks the first time Japan has formally recognized cannabis as having medical value.
To qualify as a patient, individuals must receive a prescription from a licensed physician for an approved cannabis-based medication. Access is strictly regulated, and all products must meet Japan’s residue limits on THC. Importation of cannabis medicine is not permitted without authorization, and patients cannot self-cultivate or source their own supply. The system is designed to ensure that only government-approved pharmaceutical products are available.
Tourists cannot access medical cannabis in Japan. Prescriptions are limited to Japanese residents under the care of local doctors, and bringing cannabis-based medicine into the country without explicit government approval can result in prosecution. For visitors, this means medical cannabis available abroad (even legally prescribed) remains prohibited in Japan.
Access to Cannabis Products in Japan
Cannabis for recreational purposes is not legally available anywhere in Japan. There are no dispensaries, pharmacies, or legal outlets that sell cannabis buds, edibles, or THC products, and purchasing through the black market carries serious risks, including prison sentences and heavy fines. Tourists cannot buy cannabis under any circumstances, and even attempting to bring it into the country is a criminal offense.
The one legal exception is CBD products, which have been sold in Japan since 2013. Oils, tinctures, cosmetics, and infused foods are available through specialty shops, wellness stores, and even some large retailers. However, these products must contain no detectable THC under strict residue limits, currently capped at as little as 0.001% THC. This makes the Japanese CBD market one of the most tightly regulated in the world.
For those interested in prices, CBD oils typically range from ¥5,000 to ¥12,000 (about USD 35–80) per bottle, depending on strength and brand. Edibles and cosmetics vary widely but generally cost more than similar items abroad due to the import and compliance requirements. For cannabis tourists, it’s essential to note that while CBD is legal, any THC-containing product is strictly prohibited, regardless of origin.
Rules on Cannabis Use in Japan
When it comes to using cannabis in Japan, there is essentially no legal safe space. Recreational cannabis use is strictly prohibited, both in public and private. The 2024 amendments to the Cannabis Control Law now criminalize consumption itself, meaning that even if you do not possess the substance, using it is an offense comparable to narcotics use. This applies equally to residents and tourists, leaving no exception for visitors who may be accustomed to more relaxed rules abroad.
Hotels, rental apartments, and Airbnbs do not permit smoking or vaping cannabis. Attempting to do so can lead to criminal charges, as well as civil penalties from accommodation providers. Japanese law enforcement is known for its zero-tolerance approach, and even small amounts can result in arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment.
Transportation of cannabis is also illegal. Carrying marijuana in luggage, on public transit, or across borders can lead to severe penalties, including prison sentences of up to five years for possession and much longer for trafficking. The only products you may legally carry are THC-free CBD items, and even these must comply with Japan’s strict THC residue limits, which are far tighter than in most other countries.
Bringing Cannabis Across Japanese Borders
Travelers should be aware that bringing cannabis into or out of Japan is strictly illegal, regardless of whether it is for recreational, medical, or personal use. This ban covers not only dried flower but also edibles, oils, cosmetics, and medicines derived from cannabis, even if those products are legal in the traveler’s home country. Japan makes no exemptions for tourists carrying prescribed medical cannabis from abroad.
Penalties are severe. According to Japanese law, smuggling cannabis can result in up to 10 years in prison and fines up to ¥3 million (about USD 20,000) if done for profit. Even simple possession at customs can bring sentences of up to five years in prison, while those caught attempting to traffic larger amounts face harsher penalties. Travelers should also be wary of accepting packages or luggage from others, as “unknowing” possession is not a valid defense under Japanese law.
Airport security and customs inspections in Japan are extremely strict. Officers are trained to detect even small quantities of drugs, and routine baggage scans, sniffer dogs, and random checks are common at major airports like Narita and Haneda. Being caught with cannabis at customs almost always results in immediate arrest, deportation, and a permanent ban from re-entry, alongside criminal prosecution.
For cannabis tourism, this means there is no legal way to travel to Japan with cannabis or cannabis products, making it one of the most heavily enforced borders against marijuana in the world.
Cannabis Enforcement and Risks in Japan
Japan has some of the strictest cannabis enforcement in the world, and police are known to apply the law with zero tolerance. Possession of even a small amount can result in up to five years in prison, while cultivation or importation carries a penalty of up to seven years. If intent to traffic is proven, penalties can rise to ten years plus multi-million yen fines. Tourists face the same penalties as residents, and a criminal record in Japan often leads to deportation and lifelong entry bans.
The risk of arrest is very real. Police actively investigate cannabis cases, and arrests have increased steadily, with over 5,000 cannabis-related convictions recorded in 2020. Young people make up a significant share of offenders, and high-profile arrests of athletes, actors, and even international celebrities demonstrate the strict enforcement of laws. Japanese police are not generally corrupt, but they are strict, and suspects may be interrogated for long periods without legal counsel before trial.
Travelers should also be wary of scams or traps. In nightlife districts, some dealers target foreigners, but buying from them almost always leads to arrest, as undercover stings are common. Accepting cannabis from strangers or attempting to purchase in clubs, bars, or online carries extreme risk. In short, there is no safe way to engage in cannabis tourism in Japan without facing serious legal consequences.
Social Views on Cannabis in Japan
Cannabis has a long historical presence in Japan, where hemp was once a staple crop used for clothing, rope, food, and even Shinto rituals. Despite this cultural legacy, modern attitudes toward cannabis are overwhelmingly negative. Since the passage of the Cannabis Control Law after World War II, cannabis has been firmly associated with criminality, and society largely views its use as shameful or dangerous.
Public opinion surveys and media coverage reinforce this stigma. Those caught using cannabis often face not only legal consequences but also social ostracism: losing jobs, endorsements, or public standing. High-profile arrests of celebrities, athletes, and entertainers have repeatedly led to ruined careers, reflecting how unforgiving Japanese society can be toward drug use.
For tourists, this means that being associated with cannabis use can draw strong judgment from locals. There is no visible cannabis community or subculture comparable to those in North America or Europe. While small advocacy groups and hemp-focused cultural events exist, they operate on the margins and avoid promoting cannabis consumption.
Practical Advice for Visitors
Unlike in some countries where cannabis slang and subcultures are widely known, in Japan, there are no safe or discreet ways to ask for cannabis, as even mentioning it casually can raise suspicion. The word most commonly used is taima (大麻), meaning “cannabis” or “hemp,” but it is tied directly to law enforcement terminology rather than casual slang. Asking strangers or attempting to purchase on the street is extremely risky and often leads to undercover police encounters.
There are no legal cannabis events, festivals, or weed-friendly spaces in Japan. While hemp has a cultural role in Shinto rituals and certain traditional industries, this is not connected to recreational cannabis use. Any gatherings that might appear to celebrate cannabis in a modern context are typically focused on hemp fiber, history, or hemp-derived CBD products, and these avoid any association with marijuana.
Similarly, visitors should not expect 420-friendly accommodations. Hotels, ryokan, and private rentals strictly ban cannabis, and smoking of any kind is heavily restricted indoors. While CBD products can be found in specialty stores and wellness shops, this is as close as visitors will get to cannabis-related tourism in Japan. For travelers, the safest approach is to enjoy Japan’s cultural heritage, food, and natural beauty while leaving cannabis entirely off the itinerary.
Important Notes Before You Travel
Japan’s stance on cannabis is among the strictest in the world, and penalties for breaking the law are severe. Travelers should remember that what may be legal or tolerated elsewhere (such as medical marijuana, edibles, or CBD products with trace THC) remains illegal in Japan unless specifically approved under domestic regulations. Even small mistakes, like bringing in cannabis-derived cosmetics or snacks from abroad, can result in arrest at customs.
Laws can change quickly; always check the latest local rules through official government sources before traveling. While recent reforms have introduced limited medical use of cannabis-based pharmaceuticals, these changes do not create opportunities for tourists, and the overall legal climate remains highly restrictive.