Loophole in Harsh Japanese Drug Law Allows CBD

In Japan, restrictions on cannabis are far harsher than in the U.S. In fact, Japanese drug law is some of the harshest in the world, with penalties of 5 years in prison if caught growing, possessing or using cannabis. In addition to the legal ramifications, getting caught with weed in Japan can have other penalties.

Such is the case of sumo wrestler Wakakirin Shinichi, whose career was ended when he was caught with cannabis. Those caught with cannabis can lose their job, be expelled from school and lose their standing as respectable individuals.

Not only that, but the price of cannabis in Japan is the highest in the world, with a street price of $58.30 a gram, more than double the price of the second most expensive nation, Australia. This makes Japan one of the worst places to get high in the world (legally and financially speaking).

Although Japanese law prohibits the use of cannabis, a loophole in the law has recently been discovered. The law prevents the use of the plants’ leaves and flowers, but the stalk of the plant is fair game. The non-psychoactive compound CBD is extracted from the stalk of the cannabis plant, and so it is technically legal to be imported and consumed in Japan.

Shirasaka, the man who discovered this loophole, is currently facing trial for possession of cannabis. Also head member of the Taima Houdou Center, advocate group for the legalization of medical cannabis, Shirasaka plans to contest his sentence on the basis of cannabis’ medicinal properties.