Why Japan's CBD Market Is Poised for Growth in 2022
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Table of Contents
Summary
The History of Cannabis in Japan
How Cannabis Changed After WWII
Where Does Japan Stand On Cannabis Now?
Is CBD Stigmatised in Japan?
Is Japan’s CBD Market Likely to Grow?
What Challenges Does the Japanese CBD Market Face?
Where There Is a Challenge, There Is Opportunity
How Is Always Pure Organics Contributing to the Changing Cannabis Narrative?
Green Zone Japan Partnership
Project CBD Aims to Educate
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the history of cannabis in Japan?
What are Japan’s laws surrounding cannabis?
Why does Japan have such strict cannabis laws?
How is Japan’s CBD market set for growth in 2022?
What challenges does the Japanese CBD market face?
How is Always Pure Organics contributing to Japan’s change of opinion regarding cannabis?
References
Summary
As with most CBD markets, Japan’s CBD market is still recovering from historical stigma. Although the compound has certainly made strides in the wellness sector, many consumers remain uncertain about its purported benefits. Nonetheless, the CBD market has emerged among the most promising in Japan. Despite stringent regulations, the Japanese market is showing signs of growth, and, more importantly, public opinion is slowly shifting in favour of CBD. This article looks into the Japanese CBD market, its history and its future.
Experts estimate the global cannabis industry will be worth approximately $19.89 billion in 2021, with CBD, or cannabidiol, being a significant part of this sector. In 2019, the CBD market was valued at about £2.8 billion, with experts predicting it to reach £80 billion by 2026. The US and UK are among the largest CBD markets to date, with many people turning to plant-based supplements to benefit their well-being.
Since the 2020 pandemic, consumers are taking a more holistic approach to health, including mindfulness, nutrition and exercise. In addition to this, cannabis-derived products are thought to provide a natural way to self-soothe. Consumable CBD, such as gummies, oil, capsules and tinctures, has become a popular choice for reportedly reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep improving sleep disorders.
Here at Always Pure Organics, we have taken steps to introduce wholesale and white label CBD into the Japanese market and to educate the public on the potential benefits of CBD. Alongside organisations such as Green Zone Japan and Project CBD, we hope the public will consider a future where CBD is welcome.
It may come as a surprise that Japan has a rich history associated with the cannabis plant despite strict laws and varying public opinions. In this article, we outline why Japan’s CBD market is expected to grow despite having some of the strictest cannabis laws in the world.
The History of Cannabis in Japan
Before the prohibition of cannabis and Japan’s defeat in World War II (WWII), hemp, a variation of cannabis, was a sacred plant used across many mediums. The earliest use of cannabis dates back to the Jomon Period (10,000 BC – 300 BC), where archaeologists discovered seeds and fibres in the west. These specialists suggest that people used cannabis fibres for clothing, fishing lines, and bowstrings. In fact, many experts would say that cannabis was one of the most important crops in Japan.
Cannabis held deep spiritual significance in Japan’s indigenous religion, Shintoism. Hemp signified purity and fertility; people would use the plant in various ceremonies and rituals. For instance, brides wore cannabis veils to showcase their qualities, and priests would wave bundles to ward off evil spirits.
Some other uses of cannabis included making ropes, paper crafting, eating hemp seeds, and making oil. Interestingly, Ninjas would jump over cannabis plants to improve their jumping because the plants grew so fast; standing tall, they made the perfect training ground. Hemp farms were immensely common and a vital part of the economy. Cannabis-derived products could be brought from Japanese drug stores until the early 20th century to treat muscle aches, pain, and insomnia.
With such a deeply embedded history, it’s hard to believe how cannabis suddenly became a widely demonised plant. In fact, after WWII, the public thought cannabis was a dangerous drug with little benefit. So, the question remains, what happened?
How Cannabis Changed After WWII
During the 1940s, the Japanese military sought cannabis to provide necessary materials for ropes and parachute cords for the Asia-Pacific war. The plant soon became classified as war material. However, after Japan’s 1945 surrender, everything began to change. Since the United States had made cannabis cultivation illegal in 1937, they planned to do the same in Japan. As the nation was under US control, they began to adopt American attitudes towards cannabis and passed the 1948 Cannabis Control Act. More than 70 years later, this law has remained untouched, controlling what was once one of Japan’s most sacred plants.
If someone is found in possession of cannabis, the punishment is a maximum of 5 years, with growers facing up to 7 years in prison. Alongside these prison sentences, the same laws apply to research. Japanese scientists must travel abroad to study medical marijuana, making it increasingly challenging to change how the public perceives cannabis products.
It’s difficult to determine the reason behind the cannabis prohibition. Some say it was a ploy to take control away from the military, while others believe it destroyed the cannabis fibre market and made way for America’s synthetics instead. Either way, US campaigns eventually changed public opinion and succeeded in turning opinion against cannabis.
Where Does Japan Stand On Cannabis Now?
Japanese cannabis regulations have remained unchallenged for several decades, despite the global shift towards plant-based remedies, like CBD. In today’s political climate, introducing cannabis-related products into society or medicine is a sensitive topic. In the previous section, we discussed the Cannabis Control Act, which may see someone in prison for up to 7 years for cultivating cannabis. Since the passing of this act, some hemp cultivation has remained legal but under stringent regulations. Only licensed farmers can grow hemp, and unfortunately, the numbers show how difficult it is to obtain a valid license. In 1954, there were over 37,000 hemp farms, decreasing to just 37 in 2016.
Over the years, negative cannabis campaigns were shared across Japan and successfully changed public opinion. Despite new global research into the benefits of CBD, the current stigma around cannabis-related products is a massive hindrance for the CBD market.
Is CBD Stigmatised in Japan?
CBD is a hemp-derived compound that may trigger various effects in the body and mind. Scientific studies have suggested that CBD may interact with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS)—a cell-signalling system that facilitates cell communication. With its potential influence on the ECS, CBD may lead to better sleep, less pain, improved cognitive functioning, and reduction of mental illness symptoms—to name a few.
As CBD originates from a variation of the cannabis plant, it is often associated with the intoxicating effects of marijuana. More specifically, the compound THC. Unlike CBD, when someone consumes too much THC, it may cause a “high” sensation.
The stigma around CBD often comes from a lack of awareness around how CBD is sourced and extracted. Its association with cannabis and THC is where the stigma may overlap. That said, THC is not inherently negative, as some countries approve medical marijuana when prescribed by a medical professional.
As the laws surrounding cannabis and cannabis-based products are so severe, it is common for people to look at the plant negatively. However, attitudes towards cannabis (certainly CBD) may be changing.
Is Japan’s CBD Market Likely to Grow?
The CBD industry has been growing globally as the world focuses on sustainable, natural health remedies; but, does that mean Japan will follow suit?
There is potential for the CBD market to flourish, primarily due to the changing attitudes and long history of cannabis in Japanese culture. As most of the world embraces the unique potential of cannabinoids, more funding is directed towards cannabis and CBD research. It is easier to share the possible health benefits with people in Japan with additional studies, especially as cannabis research is currently prohibited in the country.
Between the rich history, potential new research, and possible changing laws, Japan is set to spike in the CBD industry. However, there are some challenges to address before this happens.
What Challenges Does the Japanese CBD Market Face?
There are several hurdles to jump over before the CBD industry see’s real growth in Japan. Firstly, the previously discussed stigma surrounding cannabis poses an issue as the people of Japan may not be open to introducing a cannabis-derived product onto the market. That said, as attitudes are changing, there is an increasing demand for high-quality CBD.
Since becoming legal to sell in 2016, the industry has relied on imported CBD due to strict manufacturing laws. Unfortunately, despite having a growing audience, importing CBD into Japan is difficult at the least. The Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act regulates which substances are allowed into the country. While this law doesn’t specifically apply to CBD, it does ban THC and THC-related substances. There are regulations in the US and UK that allow a maximum percentage of THC in the final product; however, it’s a different story in Japan. Exporting CBD to Japan comes at a high cost, and unfortunately, most consumers can only afford low-strength CBD products.
Although there is some discussion that the Cannabis Control Act may change, the Japanese government has considered a new law. While the Cannabis Control Act punishes those who possess or cultivate the plant, the new law may allow arrests for anyone smoking or ingesting cannabis.
Where There Is a Challenge, There Is Opportunity
Navigating these challenges may be difficult, but they do present an opportunity. With Japan’s long, rich history of cannabis, the plant was a vital part of their culture way before the Cannabis Control Act came into play. This background presents an opportunity to educate people on the past and break down the stigma around cannabis. If we can begin to do this, it could make way for CBD market growth.
Currently, getting CBD in Japan is challenging and limited. Due to high export costs and strict laws, cannabidiol products have a high retail price making them inaccessible to the broader public. Unfortunately, the more affordable options contain such a low strength that it’s likely not to have significant results.
How Is Always Pure Organics Contributing to the Changing Cannabis Narrative?
Here at Always Pure Organics, our objective is to stimulate global acceptance of and access to cannabinoids. As we expand into the Japanese CBD market, we aim to provide Japanese consumers with the highest quality cannabidiol products and research projects. Making CBD accessible is proving to make a massive difference in many people’s lives. That’s why we have partnered with Green Zone Japan and Project CBD to help aid the rise of Japan’s CBD industry and provide accessible CBD to the people.
Setting up in Japan has provided us with a prime opportunity to change how the Japanese CBD industry operates. Not only will we be able to offer faster delivery, but we aim to make high-strength CBD affordable for the majority. While CBD is available in Japan already, strong, effective doses are expensive. This is an issue we aim to address in our partnership with Green Zone Japan. By providing the clinical trials with consistent, trustworthy CBD, we are taking a step towards a future where CBD is accessible for those in need.
Green Zone Japan Partnership
Green Zone Japan noticed the lack of CBD and cannabis research available in Japan and set out to change that. They are a Japanese medical cannabis advocacy group aiming to provide up-to-date science to Japanese medical professionals and the general public. Through social networks, their website, and seminars, Green Zone Japan plans to educate people on CBD and CBD therapeutics. In our partnership, we are supporting their project for children with intractable epilepsy in Japan.
In an interview, Naoko Miki of Green Zone Japan reported on a 6-month old boy with epilepsy. His mother explained that they tried CBD, but it wasn’t effective. The family contacted Green Zone Japan for advice and eventually joined the clinical trial. With therapeutic doses of CBD, the patient’s seizures stopped. We support these trials to provide continued treatment to these patients whose quality of life depends on it. This collaboration has allowed us to support approximately 30 patients since June 2020; 7 patients found their seizures completely stopped by our THC Free Distillate. With consent from their primary doctor, we support the patients’ access to therapeutic level doses of CBD at a reasonable price.
In the same interview, there was a discussion about potential government-approved trials for 2022, along with a change in criteria. The Japanese government is yet to prioritise regulations for THC levels in CBD, meaning the current guidelines are vague and hard to follow. What’s more, there are many initiatives to push CBD products into the non-medical category, including food supplements and cosmetics. This potentially significant step may open a gateway for new products and brands, stimulating market growth.
Together we hope partnerships like this help the CBD industry to grow despite high import costs. As laws may alter, CBD becomes widely accepted, helping make affordable, higher doses available to the public.
Project CBD Aims to Educate
Alongside Green Zone Japan, we are supporting Project CBD in their mission to educate Japan on the history of CBD and its potential therapeutic benefits. Green Zone Japan is creating a Japanese version of Project CBD’s website, where together, both organisations update it with new research and findings. By sponsoring these organisations and spreading the cutting-edge research to approximately 130 million Japanese-speaking individuals, we believe it could be the catalyst to make CBD popular across Japan.
It’s important to note as Always Pure Organics breaks into the market as a white label CBD company, it opens doors for high-strength and high-quality CBD to be distributed across Japan.
Final Thoughts
Japan’s CBD market may be poised for growth in the coming years, but with wavering public opinion on cannabis, strict laws, and high import costs, it’s safe to say there are some challenges to consider. That said, our partnerships with Project CBD and Green Zone Japan recognise exciting opportunities to help fund, educate and supply Japan with effective CBD.
With such a rich history associated with cannabis, it’s a shock that this heritage is mostly forgotten. These programs intend to share the country’s cannabis culture while de-stigmatising it and sharing science-led data. In all, medical CBD is the gateway to greater acceptance. It will work as a stepping stone to educate people and work towards a future where cannabis-based products are welcomed in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the history of cannabis in Japan?
Japanese culture has a long history with cannabis; at one time, it was considered one of their most important crops. Before the Second World War, people used cannabis to make paper, clothing, rope, bows, and oil. However, it wasn’t only a valuable crop; cannabis had a significant spiritual meaning in Japan’s indigenous religion. Priests would wave bundles of the plant to ward off evil spirits, women wore cannabis veils as a sign of purity and fertility, and shrines were decorated with it. Cannabis weaved its way into every fibre of society, providing practical and spiritual tools.
In the 1940s, cannabis became war material as the military created parachute cords and ropes. Although, when Japan surrendered in 1945, the US introduced new laws, and everything changed.
What are Japan’s laws surrounding cannabis?
Since the late 1940s, when the US took control, the Cannabis Control Act has been in play. This law dictates that if someone possesses cannabis, they can face up to 5 years in prison. Whereas, if someone cultivates the plant, they can face up to 7 years in prison. Anyone found to go against his law is shamed as Japanese culture perceives cannabis as a dangerous drug. Alongside this, the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act bans any THC or THC-related substances into the country. While it doesn’t prohibit CBD, it makes exporting CBD into Japan complicated and costly.
It’s easy to believe that with the global attitude shift towards sustainability and natural remedies, that Japan may follow suit. While there is promise for this to happen, the law prohibits cannabis research, making it increasingly difficult for the current studies to have an impact.
Why does Japan have such strict cannabis laws?
When the US took control over Japan, they began to implement their ideas and attitudes into Japanese culture. In 1948, the Cannabis Control Act passed, starting the demonisation of cannabis plants. Due to America’s enforcement, they campaigned against the cultivation and use of cannabis and eventually changed public opinion. For over 70 years, this law has remained unchallenged, prohibiting the cultivation, possession, and research on cannabis. Despite the world becoming more accepting of hemp and cannabis, Japan’s laws persist.
How is Japan’s CBD market set for growth in 2022?
Since there is such a rich embedded history and relationship with cannabis, there is a fantastic opportunity for education. Programs such as Project CBD teach people to form their own educated opinion rather than following a possibly outdated law.
CBD is already gaining serious traction across the globe. In the US, the CBD market is predicted to reach $1.8 billion by 2022, with the UK now worth £690 million. With new research developing continuously, more people in Japan are questioning their cannabis laws and joining this plant-based revolution.
What challenges does the Japanese CBD market face?
Since the late 1940s, Japan’s attitudes have changed due to US control, new laws, and negative cannabis campaigns. Over time, Japanese people adopted these values, and the post-war movements were a success. As the cannabis laws haven’t changed for over 70 years, there are a lot of restrictions and critical public opinions.
Fighting the stigma around cannabis and CBD is a huge hurdle to overcome if the cannabidiol market is to grow. What’s more, cannabis research remains prohibited, forcing Japanese scientists out of the country to study it. Finally, while CBD is not necessarily illegal, THC in all forms is. Therefore, exporting CBD products is expensive and largely inaccessible to the majority of the public.
How is Always Pure Organics contributing to Japan’s change of opinion regarding cannabis?
Here at Always Pure Organics, we aim to drive global education, research, and distribution of cannabis-derived products. This is why we partnered with organisations such as Green Zone Japan and Project CBD to supply high-quality CBD to supplement their CBD education programs and make CBD more accessible.
As we establish ourselves in the Japanese CBD market as a white label CBD company, we can provide premium-grade wholesale cannabis-based products. By sponsoring the organisations mentioned above, we are keen to be part of the movement that makes CBD and cannabis-based products accepted in Japan. As regulations change, we hope to be the number one CBD business for bulk ingredients, bespoke CBD oils and products, and white label CBD items.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/
https://apjjf.org/2014/12/49/Jon-Mitchell/4231.html
http://www.japanhemp.org/en/shinto.htm
https://features.japantimes.co.jp/cannabis/
https://www.legalscoops.com/will-japan-change-its-cannabis-laws/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
https://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/countries/cannabis-in-japan-laws-use-history/#is-cbd-legal-in-japan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzjoH3XXmYc
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/06/national/media-national/marijuana-law-reform-japan/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/760498/total-us-cbd-sales/
Table of Contents
Summary
The History of Cannabis in Japan
How Cannabis Changed After WWII
Where Does Japan Stand On Cannabis Now?
Is CBD Stigmatised in Japan?
Is Japan’s CBD Market Likely to Grow?
What Challenges Does the Japanese CBD Market Face?
Where There Is a Challenge, There Is Opportunity
How Is Always Pure Organics Contributing to the Changing Cannabis Narrative?
Green Zone Japan Partnership
Project CBD Aims to Educate
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the history of cannabis in Japan?
What are Japan’s laws surrounding cannabis?
Why does Japan have such strict cannabis laws?
How is Japan’s CBD market set for growth in 2022?
What challenges does the Japanese CBD market face?
How is Always Pure Organics contributing to Japan’s change of opinion regarding cannabis?
References
Summary
As with most CBD markets, Japan’s CBD market is still recovering from historical stigma. Although the compound has certainly made strides in the wellness sector, many consumers remain uncertain about its purported benefits. Nonetheless, the CBD market has emerged among the most promising in Japan. Despite stringent regulations, the Japanese market is showing signs of growth, and, more importantly, public opinion is slowly shifting in favour of CBD. This article looks into the Japanese CBD market, its history and its future.
Experts estimate the global cannabis industry will be worth approximately $19.89 billion in 2021, with CBD, or cannabidiol, being a significant part of this sector. In 2019, the CBD market was valued at about £2.8 billion, with experts predicting it to reach £80 billion by 2026. The US and UK are among the largest CBD markets to date, with many people turning to plant-based supplements to benefit their well-being.
Since the 2020 pandemic, consumers are taking a more holistic approach to health, including mindfulness, nutrition and exercise. In addition to this, cannabis-derived products are thought to provide a natural way to self-soothe. Consumable CBD, such as gummies, oil, capsules and tinctures, has become a popular choice for reportedly reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep improving sleep disorders.
Here at Always Pure Organics, we have taken steps to introduce wholesale and white label CBD into the Japanese market and to educate the public on the potential benefits of CBD. Alongside organisations such as Green Zone Japan and Project CBD, we hope the public will consider a future where CBD is welcome.
It may come as a surprise that Japan has a rich history associated with the cannabis plant despite strict laws and varying public opinions. In this article, we outline why Japan’s CBD market is expected to grow despite having some of the strictest cannabis laws in the world.
The History of Cannabis in Japan
Before the prohibition of cannabis and Japan’s defeat in World War II (WWII), hemp, a variation of cannabis, was a sacred plant used across many mediums. The earliest use of cannabis dates back to the Jomon Period (10,000 BC – 300 BC), where archaeologists discovered seeds and fibres in the west. These specialists suggest that people used cannabis fibres for clothing, fishing lines, and bowstrings. In fact, many experts would say that cannabis was one of the most important crops in Japan.
Cannabis held deep spiritual significance in Japan’s indigenous religion, Shintoism. Hemp signified purity and fertility; people would use the plant in various ceremonies and rituals. For instance, brides wore cannabis veils to showcase their qualities, and priests would wave bundles to ward off evil spirits.
Some other uses of cannabis included making ropes, paper crafting, eating hemp seeds, and making oil. Interestingly, Ninjas would jump over cannabis plants to improve their jumping because the plants grew so fast; standing tall, they made the perfect training ground. Hemp farms were immensely common and a vital part of the economy. Cannabis-derived products could be brought from Japanese drug stores until the early 20th century to treat muscle aches, pain, and insomnia.
With such a deeply embedded history, it’s hard to believe how cannabis suddenly became a widely demonised plant. In fact, after WWII, the public thought cannabis was a dangerous drug with little benefit. So, the question remains, what happened?
How Cannabis Changed After WWII
During the 1940s, the Japanese military sought cannabis to provide necessary materials for ropes and parachute cords for the Asia-Pacific war. The plant soon became classified as war material. However, after Japan’s 1945 surrender, everything began to change. Since the United States had made cannabis cultivation illegal in 1937, they planned to do the same in Japan. As the nation was under US control, they began to adopt American attitudes towards cannabis and passed the 1948 Cannabis Control Act. More than 70 years later, this law has remained untouched, controlling what was once one of Japan’s most sacred plants.
If someone is found in possession of cannabis, the punishment is a maximum of 5 years, with growers facing up to 7 years in prison. Alongside these prison sentences, the same laws apply to research. Japanese scientists must travel abroad to study medical marijuana, making it increasingly challenging to change how the public perceives cannabis products.
It’s difficult to determine the reason behind the cannabis prohibition. Some say it was a ploy to take control away from the military, while others believe it destroyed the cannabis fibre market and made way for America’s synthetics instead. Either way, US campaigns eventually changed public opinion and succeeded in turning opinion against cannabis.
Where Does Japan Stand On Cannabis Now?
Japanese cannabis regulations have remained unchallenged for several decades, despite the global shift towards plant-based remedies, like CBD. In today’s political climate, introducing cannabis-related products into society or medicine is a sensitive topic. In the previous section, we discussed the Cannabis Control Act, which may see someone in prison for up to 7 years for cultivating cannabis. Since the passing of this act, some hemp cultivation has remained legal but under stringent regulations. Only licensed farmers can grow hemp, and unfortunately, the numbers show how difficult it is to obtain a valid license. In 1954, there were over 37,000 hemp farms, decreasing to just 37 in 2016.
Over the years, negative cannabis campaigns were shared across Japan and successfully changed public opinion. Despite new global research into the benefits of CBD, the current stigma around cannabis-related products is a massive hindrance for the CBD market.
Is CBD Stigmatised in Japan?
CBD is a hemp-derived compound that may trigger various effects in the body and mind. Scientific studies have suggested that CBD may interact with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS)—a cell-signalling system that facilitates cell communication. With its potential influence on the ECS, CBD may lead to better sleep, less pain, improved cognitive functioning, and reduction of mental illness symptoms—to name a few.
As CBD originates from a variation of the cannabis plant, it is often associated with the intoxicating effects of marijuana. More specifically, the compound THC. Unlike CBD, when someone consumes too much THC, it may cause a “high” sensation.
The stigma around CBD often comes from a lack of awareness around how CBD is sourced and extracted. Its association with cannabis and THC is where the stigma may overlap. That said, THC is not inherently negative, as some countries approve medical marijuana when prescribed by a medical professional.
As the laws surrounding cannabis and cannabis-based products are so severe, it is common for people to look at the plant negatively. However, attitudes towards cannabis (certainly CBD) may be changing.
Is Japan’s CBD Market Likely to Grow?
The CBD industry has been growing globally as the world focuses on sustainable, natural health remedies; but, does that mean Japan will follow suit?
There is potential for the CBD market to flourish, primarily due to the changing attitudes and long history of cannabis in Japanese culture. As most of the world embraces the unique potential of cannabinoids, more funding is directed towards cannabis and CBD research. It is easier to share the possible health benefits with people in Japan with additional studies, especially as cannabis research is currently prohibited in the country.
Between the rich history, potential new research, and possible changing laws, Japan is set to spike in the CBD industry. However, there are some challenges to address before this happens.
What Challenges Does the Japanese CBD Market Face?
There are several hurdles to jump over before the CBD industry see’s real growth in Japan. Firstly, the previously discussed stigma surrounding cannabis poses an issue as the people of Japan may not be open to introducing a cannabis-derived product onto the market. That said, as attitudes are changing, there is an increasing demand for high-quality CBD.
Since becoming legal to sell in 2016, the industry has relied on imported CBD due to strict manufacturing laws. Unfortunately, despite having a growing audience, importing CBD into Japan is difficult at the least. The Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act regulates which substances are allowed into the country. While this law doesn’t specifically apply to CBD, it does ban THC and THC-related substances. There are regulations in the US and UK that allow a maximum percentage of THC in the final product; however, it’s a different story in Japan. Exporting CBD to Japan comes at a high cost, and unfortunately, most consumers can only afford low-strength CBD products.
Although there is some discussion that the Cannabis Control Act may change, the Japanese government has considered a new law. While the Cannabis Control Act punishes those who possess or cultivate the plant, the new law may allow arrests for anyone smoking or ingesting cannabis.
Where There Is a Challenge, There Is Opportunity
Navigating these challenges may be difficult, but they do present an opportunity. With Japan’s long, rich history of cannabis, the plant was a vital part of their culture way before the Cannabis Control Act came into play. This background presents an opportunity to educate people on the past and break down the stigma around cannabis. If we can begin to do this, it could make way for CBD market growth.
Currently, getting CBD in Japan is challenging and limited. Due to high export costs and strict laws, cannabidiol products have a high retail price making them inaccessible to the broader public. Unfortunately, the more affordable options contain such a low strength that it’s likely not to have significant results.
How Is Always Pure Organics Contributing to the Changing Cannabis Narrative?
Here at Always Pure Organics, our objective is to stimulate global acceptance of and access to cannabinoids. As we expand into the Japanese CBD market, we aim to provide Japanese consumers with the highest quality cannabidiol products and research projects. Making CBD accessible is proving to make a massive difference in many people’s lives. That’s why we have partnered with Green Zone Japan and Project CBD to help aid the rise of Japan’s CBD industry and provide accessible CBD to the people.
Setting up in Japan has provided us with a prime opportunity to change how the Japanese CBD industry operates. Not only will we be able to offer faster delivery, but we aim to make high-strength CBD affordable for the majority. While CBD is available in Japan already, strong, effective doses are expensive. This is an issue we aim to address in our partnership with Green Zone Japan. By providing the clinical trials with consistent, trustworthy CBD, we are taking a step towards a future where CBD is accessible for those in need.
Green Zone Japan Partnership
Green Zone Japan noticed the lack of CBD and cannabis research available in Japan and set out to change that. They are a Japanese medical cannabis advocacy group aiming to provide up-to-date science to Japanese medical professionals and the general public. Through social networks, their website, and seminars, Green Zone Japan plans to educate people on CBD and CBD therapeutics. In our partnership, we are supporting their project for children with intractable epilepsy in Japan.
In an interview, Naoko Miki of Green Zone Japan reported on a 6-month old boy with epilepsy. His mother explained that they tried CBD, but it wasn’t effective. The family contacted Green Zone Japan for advice and eventually joined the clinical trial. With therapeutic doses of CBD, the patient’s seizures stopped. We support these trials to provide continued treatment to these patients whose quality of life depends on it. This collaboration has allowed us to support approximately 30 patients since June 2020; 7 patients found their seizures completely stopped by our THC Free Distillate. With consent from their primary doctor, we support the patients’ access to therapeutic level doses of CBD at a reasonable price.
In the same interview, there was a discussion about potential government-approved trials for 2022, along with a change in criteria. The Japanese government is yet to prioritise regulations for THC levels in CBD, meaning the current guidelines are vague and hard to follow. What’s more, there are many initiatives to push CBD products into the non-medical category, including food supplements and cosmetics. This potentially significant step may open a gateway for new products and brands, stimulating market growth.
Together we hope partnerships like this help the CBD industry to grow despite high import costs. As laws may alter, CBD becomes widely accepted, helping make affordable, higher doses available to the public.
Project CBD Aims to Educate
Alongside Green Zone Japan, we are supporting Project CBD in their mission to educate Japan on the history of CBD and its potential therapeutic benefits. Green Zone Japan is creating a Japanese version of Project CBD’s website, where together, both organisations update it with new research and findings. By sponsoring these organisations and spreading the cutting-edge research to approximately 130 million Japanese-speaking individuals, we believe it could be the catalyst to make CBD popular across Japan.
It’s important to note as Always Pure Organics breaks into the market as a white label CBD company, it opens doors for high-strength and high-quality CBD to be distributed across Japan.
Final Thoughts
Japan’s CBD market may be poised for growth in the coming years, but with wavering public opinion on cannabis, strict laws, and high import costs, it’s safe to say there are some challenges to consider. That said, our partnerships with Project CBD and Green Zone Japan recognise exciting opportunities to help fund, educate and supply Japan with effective CBD.
With such a rich history associated with cannabis, it’s a shock that this heritage is mostly forgotten. These programs intend to share the country’s cannabis culture while de-stigmatising it and sharing science-led data. In all, medical CBD is the gateway to greater acceptance. It will work as a stepping stone to educate people and work towards a future where cannabis-based products are welcomed in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the history of cannabis in Japan?
Japanese culture has a long history with cannabis; at one time, it was considered one of their most important crops. Before the Second World War, people used cannabis to make paper, clothing, rope, bows, and oil. However, it wasn’t only a valuable crop; cannabis had a significant spiritual meaning in Japan’s indigenous religion. Priests would wave bundles of the plant to ward off evil spirits, women wore cannabis veils as a sign of purity and fertility, and shrines were decorated with it. Cannabis weaved its way into every fibre of society, providing practical and spiritual tools.
In the 1940s, cannabis became war material as the military created parachute cords and ropes. Although, when Japan surrendered in 1945, the US introduced new laws, and everything changed.
What are Japan’s laws surrounding cannabis?
Since the late 1940s, when the US took control, the Cannabis Control Act has been in play. This law dictates that if someone possesses cannabis, they can face up to 5 years in prison. Whereas, if someone cultivates the plant, they can face up to 7 years in prison. Anyone found to go against his law is shamed as Japanese culture perceives cannabis as a dangerous drug. Alongside this, the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act bans any THC or THC-related substances into the country. While it doesn’t prohibit CBD, it makes exporting CBD into Japan complicated and costly.
It’s easy to believe that with the global attitude shift towards sustainability and natural remedies, that Japan may follow suit. While there is promise for this to happen, the law prohibits cannabis research, making it increasingly difficult for the current studies to have an impact.
Why does Japan have such strict cannabis laws?
When the US took control over Japan, they began to implement their ideas and attitudes into Japanese culture. In 1948, the Cannabis Control Act passed, starting the demonisation of cannabis plants. Due to America’s enforcement, they campaigned against the cultivation and use of cannabis and eventually changed public opinion. For over 70 years, this law has remained unchallenged, prohibiting the cultivation, possession, and research on cannabis. Despite the world becoming more accepting of hemp and cannabis, Japan’s laws persist.
How is Japan’s CBD market set for growth in 2022?
Since there is such a rich embedded history and relationship with cannabis, there is a fantastic opportunity for education. Programs such as Project CBD teach people to form their own educated opinion rather than following a possibly outdated law.
CBD is already gaining serious traction across the globe. In the US, the CBD market is predicted to reach $1.8 billion by 2022, with the UK now worth £690 million. With new research developing continuously, more people in Japan are questioning their cannabis laws and joining this plant-based revolution.
What challenges does the Japanese CBD market face?
Since the late 1940s, Japan’s attitudes have changed due to US control, new laws, and negative cannabis campaigns. Over time, Japanese people adopted these values, and the post-war movements were a success. As the cannabis laws haven’t changed for over 70 years, there are a lot of restrictions and critical public opinions.
Fighting the stigma around cannabis and CBD is a huge hurdle to overcome if the cannabidiol market is to grow. What’s more, cannabis research remains prohibited, forcing Japanese scientists out of the country to study it. Finally, while CBD is not necessarily illegal, THC in all forms is. Therefore, exporting CBD products is expensive and largely inaccessible to the majority of the public.
How is Always Pure Organics contributing to Japan’s change of opinion regarding cannabis?
Here at Always Pure Organics, we aim to drive global education, research, and distribution of cannabis-derived products. This is why we partnered with organisations such as Green Zone Japan and Project CBD to supply high-quality CBD to supplement their CBD education programs and make CBD more accessible.
As we establish ourselves in the Japanese CBD market as a white label CBD company, we can provide premium-grade wholesale cannabis-based products. By sponsoring the organisations mentioned above, we are keen to be part of the movement that makes CBD and cannabis-based products accepted in Japan. As regulations change, we hope to be the number one CBD business for bulk ingredients, bespoke CBD oils and products, and white label CBD items.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/
https://apjjf.org/2014/12/49/Jon-Mitchell/4231.html
http://www.japanhemp.org/en/shinto.htm
https://features.japantimes.co.jp/cannabis/
https://www.legalscoops.com/will-japan-change-its-cannabis-laws/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
https://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/countries/cannabis-in-japan-laws-use-history/#is-cbd-legal-in-japan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzjoH3XXmYc
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/06/national/media-national/marijuana-law-reform-japan/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/760498/total-us-cbd-sales/
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