Oct 29 (newsonjapan.com) - Although cannabis has long been a part of Japanese culture, current laws prohibit the use or sale of products containing more than a trace amount of THC, the chemical that gets users high.
However, in 2016, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD was legalized, and companies are now allowed to make, import, advertise, and sell CBD products. Each year, sales of CBD oils, creams, and other products increase by close to 100%, according to several importers.
CBD Seeds In Japan
Because of strict laws regarding CBD content, Japanese consumers cannot purchase marijuana seeds at i49 or any other online seller because even high-percentage CBD seeds probably contain too much THC to comply with Japanese law. Unauthorized possession of unsterilized seeds is a crime that could lead to fines and even jail time. Thus, Japanese consumers rely on manufacturers and retailers to provide their CBD products.
Popular CBD Products
Thanks in part to the work of Priyanka Yoshikawa, crowned Ms. World Japan in 2016, CBD is a big part of the health and wellness industry in Japan. Ms. Yoshikawa discovered the benefits of CBD during a visit to the United States, and she was eager to introduce the substance at home as a natural and safe form of stress relief and self-care. She has released a line of CBD skincare products and oils that are widely popular with Japanese consumers nowadays. CBD vaping products are also top sellers in Japanese vape stores, and one trendy cafe in Tokyo specializes in CBD-infused food and beverages.
Connecting To History
For most of the country's history, Japanese people have cultivated hemp, a variety of cannabis that is low in THC (less than 0.3%). Traditionally, hemp farmers grew the plants for their fibers as well as their medicinal properties, and Japanese people used hemp in many religious and cultural rituals. For example, samurai warriors relied on hemp to line their armor. All of that changed, however, when Japan was defeated in World War II, and General MacArthur insisted that the government ban all forms of cannabis. Nowadays, only licensed farmers can grow hemp.
Buying CBD In Japan
Japanese consumers and visitors to Japan can find high-quality CBD products because their manufacture is strictly controlled and held to high standards. It is safe to purchase CBD in any form from a Japanese store, either physical or online. It is risky, however, to buy CBD products from overseas websites because there is too high a chance that foreign products will contain more than the allowed percentage of THC.
Looking To The Future
The growth of the CBD market in Japan suggests that Japanese consumers are interested in exploring the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Although the federal government has not yet made any move toward legalizing cannabis containing THC, there is a chance that it will do so in the future. Japan may eventually follow the lead of many other nations that have legalized some form of medical marijuana. However, the perception of marijuana as a dangerous drug remains an impediment at this time.
Even though Japan is a conservative country in terms of its drug policies, Japanese consumers have embraced CBD, a legal derivative of cannabis. In fact, Japan is currently the largest market for CBD cosmetic products in all of Asia. As more and more Japanese consumers experience the health and wellness benefits of CBD, sales continue to increase.
