Cannabis law in Japan (2026)

Last reviewed: 31 October 2026

In short: Cannabis is a controlled narcotic in Japan: possession, transfer, cultivation and use are criminal offences. Cultivation is limited to licensed growers. The status of medical use and the position of visitors were not confirmed.

RuleWhat applies
Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adultCriminal offence [1]
Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adultNo quantity is lawful for a private person. Possession, transfer and acquisition of cannabis by anyone other than a licensed narcotics handler or the other persons named in the Act is punishable by up to 7 years' imprisonment; where done for profit, 1 to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to JPY 3,000,000 may also be imposed. [1]
Growing at homePersonal use by an adultProhibited [2]
Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adultProhibited [1]
Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adultProhibited [1]
Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult⚠ Not yet verified
VisitorsPersonal use by an adult⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Japan treats cannabis as a narcotic. The Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act bans possession, transfer and acquisition by anyone who is not a licensed narcotics handler, with up to 7 years' imprisonment (up to 10 years and JPY 3,000,000 where done for profit).
  • Since the amendment in force from 12 December 2024, using cannabis (outside treatment by a licensed practitioner) is itself an offence under the same Act, with up to 7 years' imprisonment. The ban applies anywhere in Japan.
  • The Act lets a licensed narcotics practitioner administer narcotics for the treatment of disease. Whether and which cannabis-derived medicines are approved under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act was not confirmed from an official source.
  • The statutes read do not distinguish by nationality or residence. No official statement on visitors was read, so this is not stated.

Sources

  1. e-Gov 法令検索 (デジタル庁): 麻薬及び向精神薬取締法（昭和二十八年法律第十四号） (consulted 31 October 2026) · all sources
  2. e-Gov 法令検索 (デジタル庁): 大麻草の栽培の規制に関する法律（昭和二十三年法律第百二十四号） (consulted 31 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.