Japan reaffirms its “absolute no” against cannabis

Due to an increase in consumption, the Japanese country is studying tightening the rigid cannabis laws that already exist and adopting a position of zero tolerance.

The popular slogan “dame zettai” (“absolutely not”) is the proclamation chosen by the Japanese government and Ministry of Health to address the controversial drug issue. Specifically, they have proposed a revision of the Cannabis Control Law in order to adjust and increase the penalties. Penalty for possession will suppose five years in prison, and for cultivation, seven.

Without going any further, after the legalization of the recreational use of cannabis in countries such as Canada, the same government warned its citizens that if they participated in such activities during their escapades, they could face punishment upon returning home.

The Cannabis Control Law in force today is of colonial heritage. It was approved in 1948 during the occupation of the United States and prohibited almost every activity related to cannabis. The import and export of cannabis, the prescription and treatment with derivative drugs, and the advertising of the substance in medical or pharmaceutical contexts.

Going against the general trend and motivated by its culture of exaltation of work and productivity, the country of the Rising Sun wants to continue to firmly uphold the witness of that legacy. Which is surprising considering that only 1.8% of Japanese report having used cannabis compared to 30% of Americans.

No to cannabis, but yes CBD?

Even so, it should be added that CBD is gaining supporters and more and more individuals and organizations are normalizing its consumption, publicizing its benefits and making use of its soothing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Relaxation and detox, two key concepts in the trend in vogue that make CBD a fashionable product.

In September, wellness guru Martha Stewart posed for the New York Times wearing a necklace of CBD gummies and recently – as we reported in Tuesday’s article – launched a line of CBD-based pet products. substance. Relevant facts as the use of cannabis products is normalized for the entire audience, for the entire public in general, overcoming taboos and censorship.

When it comes to the Japanese market, the model and former Miss World, Priyanka Yoshikawa, who also broke beauty standards and canons with her exotic and multiracial charm, is a prominent champion of the cause. In the middle of last year she launched a line of CBD-based cosmetic products for skin and face care, Mukoomi.

And she is not the only Japanese who has embarked on cannabis adventures. Healthy Tokyo, since 2016, has been marketing CBD in oil, edibles and a line of pet products. In Tokyo, the Camelblack coffee shop uses CBD oil as an ingredient in some of its recipes. And in the seaside city south of the capital, Kamamura, Magokoro Cafe offers a selection of CBD-based soaps and balms to complement its fully vegan menu.

And associations such as Green Zone or JCAC, the Japanese Clinical Cannabinoid Association, advocate for the legalization of cannabis for therapeutic purposes and state that the next two steps are: consolidating the consolidation of CBD consumption and normalizing its use. A clear example of this is the documentary produced by Green Zone entitled CBD Nation.

Will the resounding no of the “dame zettai” manage to strike the final blow in combat or will the green tide that expands without borders manage to avoid the reverse?

We will continue to monitor how events unfold in the next round. To be continued.