CBD is a natural ingredient that has been legalized in Japan.
However, hemp, from which CBD is extracted, is a type of cannabis grass. As a result, Japanese laws regarding CBD have many different restrictions.
It is important to note that many of the laws are different from those in other countries. To compare, here is a summary of the regulations related to CBD in the US and Japan.
Legal differences United States Japan
| United States | Japan | |
| Part of hemp used for CBD extraction Legal such as leaves | flowers, seeds, stems | Seeds, stems only legal |
| THC-containing of CBD products | legal by state | illegal |
※THC is a psychoactive ingredient contained in cannabis grass.
Thus, while CBD is legal to use in Japan, there are differences in the parts of hemp from which CBD is extracted (leaves, flowers, seeds, stems, etc.) and the THC content.
The leaves and flowers contain a lot of THC, so they are not allowed to be used/sold in Japan. Even if you buy 0% THC isolate products overseas, products with CBD extracted from the leaves and flowers are not allowed to be brought into Japan. Be aware that this is illegal!
Japanese law has strict regulations on the use of cannabis grass, which has a significant impact on CBD. Currently, in Japan, permission from prefectural governors is required to grow Asa, including hemp. In addition, the following prohibitions are also established when using the product.
Industrial Medical Preferences
| Industrial | Medical | Preferences | |
| U.S. | Permitted | Permitted | Partially Permitted |
| Japan | Almost disallowed | Not permitted | Not permitted |
In Japan, only a limited number of farmers are allowed to grow hemp. Since it is prohibited to extract Cannabis components such as CBD, it is illegal to produce domestic CBD. This is influenced by the laws established during the occupation of World War II in 1948.
In recent years in Asia, South Korea and Thailand have legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes, and prescription medicines and products containing CBD and other substances are becoming more prevalent among their citizens. However, in Japan, regulations regarding cannabis grass have yet to be revised, making even research on CBD illegal.
So, at this point in time, if you want to use CBD products in Japan, only items imported from overseas that contain 0% THC are legal.
