Japan's long-standing strict cannabis laws have been a major obstacle for doctors needing new treatment options. Recognizing this, the Japanese Health Ministry decided to permit therapeutic use of cannabis-derived cannabinoids.
The decision appeared in a recent report indicating cannabinoids could be permitted particularly for hard-to-treat or poorly responsive epilepsy, or as painkillers for cancer patients.
The ministry has recognized the medical properties of these medicines, but laws must first be adapted for effective production, consumption and waste management in Japan.
For now, these substances are imported only in limited quantities and consumption outside pharmacist supervision is strictly prohibited. Although the system's operation is not yet clear, Japanese pharmaceutical companies may begin producing cannabinoid medicines after legal changes.
Some analysts predict cannabis-law changes could negatively affect young people, but it has not been established that cannabinoid medicines pose a danger to that group.
