Here is a detailed explanation of Article 4 of the Cannabis Control Law in Japan.
In Japan, clinical trials for medical use are not allowed due to the provisions of Article 4. Let’s check out what Article 4 of the Japanese Cannabis Control Law is all about.
Contents
What is the Japanese Cannabis Control Law?
Before I tell you about Article 4 of the Cannabis Control Law, I will first briefly explain what the Cannabis Control Law is.
The Cannabis Control Law has a total of 28 articles and is divided into the following sections.
| Table of Contents Chapter 10 | Article 〇〇 |
| Chapter 1 General Provisions | Articles 1-4 are included |
| Chapter 2 License | Articles 5 through 11 are included. |
| Chapter 3 Cannabis Dealers | Articles 13 through 17 are included |
| Chapter 4 Supervision | Articles 18 through 21 are included |
| Chapter 5 miscellaneous rules | Articles 22-23 are included |
| Chapter 6 Penalties | Articles 24 through 27 are included |
| Supplementary Provisions | Article 28 (contains that all 28 articles will be executed from the date of issuance) |
The laws regarding marijuana have rules not only for use and possession, but also for licensing and handlers, and there are also sections on penalties for those who break the law.
One of the most important points to keep in mind is Chapter 1, “General Provisions.
| Table of Contents Chapter 0 | Article 100 | Contents |
| Chapter I General Provisions | Article 1 | Definition of Marijuana |
| Article 2 | Definition of Marijuana Handler | |
| Article 3 | Prohibitions and Restrictions on Possession, etc. | |
| Article 4 | Prohibited acts |
Chapter 1 mainly contains information necessary for the handling of cannabis-derived products.
For example, Article 1 states that “only mature cannabis stems and seeds may be used in Japan” (i.e. CBD products extracted from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant are also prohibited).
Article 3 also prohibits the possession, cultivation, transfer, or research of cannabis.
This is relevant for those who are interested in CBD products, so it is recommended that you check it out.
About Article 4 of the Cannabis Control Act
Article 4 of the Cannabis Control Act is divided into four sections, which are briefly explained as follows
- Prohibit the importation and exportation of marijuana (OK only with the permission of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)
- Prohibition of using products manufactured from marijuana for medical purposes
- Prohibition of receiving medical treatment with products made from marijuana
- It is prohibited for medical professionals to advertise marijuana in magazines and advertisements for the same industry.
That means that medical professionals cannot use marijuana for medical purposes.
In recent years, medical marijuana has been spreading rapidly around the world, and is about to become a mainstream treatment method in Thailand.
Also in South Korea, the law has been amended to allow the prescription of drugs containing THC, which is illegal in Japan.
Also, in the U.S., where CBD has become very popular, you attracted a lot of attention as a treatment for a girl with intractable epilepsy.
Currently in Japan, clinical trials are being considered for cannabis-derived intractable epilepsy drugs manufactured overseas, but they have not yet been tried.
The lack of research on medical marijuana means that Japan is lagging far behind the rest of the world in this field.
Summary
I have introduced Article 4 of the Cannabis Control Law in detail. Japan boasts a high level of research capability in the field of medicine, but due to the law, research on medical marijuana is prohibited. In the future, changes in consumer perceptions and stereotypes about marijuana may be a factor in moving the law forward. I would like to acquire the correct knowledge and use cannabis-derived products safely.
