Medical only (prescription)Tourist access: Prohibited · Medical access: Medical use only
Japan permits only approved cannabis-derived medicines (following the 2023 law reform, e.g. Epidiolex) via prescription; there is no dispensary retail. CBD products are sold but strictly THC-free. Recreational cannabis carries severe penalties. Not a tourist channel.
Medical use only: Japan permits only approved cannabis-derived medicines on prescription following the 2023 law reform; there is no dispensary or recreational retail. CBD products are sold but must be THC-free. Last reviewed 2026-08-30.
How do you buy cannabis legally in Japan?
Access is limited to approved cannabinoid medicines on prescription. CBD (THC-free) is sold in shops.
Source: mhlw.go.jp
Is cannabis legal in Japan?
Buying cannabis in Japan — what are the rules?Medical use only
There is no adult-use or recreational retail channel.
Only approved cannabinoid medicines are available, and only on prescription.
CBD sold in shops must be THC-free; it is not a legal THC channel.
Answer verified on 2026-08-30. · Sources and references
Possession in Japan — what are the rules?Prohibited
Recreational cannabis possession and use are illegal in Japan and carry severe penalties.
Penalties for recreational cannabis are severe, including for small quantities.
Answer verified on 2026-08-30. · Sources and references
Tourist access in Japan — what are the rules?Prohibited
Visitors have no legal purchase channel.
Recreational cannabis carries severe penalties.
Never carry cannabis across a national border.
Answer verified on 2026-08-30. · Sources and references
Medical access in Japan — what are the rules?Medical use only
Access is limited to approved cannabis-derived medicines prescribed within the Japanese medical system after the 2023 law reform.
Only specific approved cannabinoid medicines are available; there is no flower dispensing.
Answer verified on 2026-08-30. · Sources and references
Can tourists buy cannabis in Japan?
Visitors have no legal cannabis purchase route in Japan; only approved cannabinoid medicines prescribed in the Japanese medical system are lawful.
- Possession: Prohibited
Answer verified on 2026-08-30.
Sources and references
420.camp editorial review process
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-30
- Next scheduled review
- 2026-11-28
This is a plain-language informational summary, not legal advice. Rules can change and may differ by municipality or venue. Check the linked official sources before acting.
Where to consume in Japan
No verified consumption places are listed in Japan yet. The consumption rules for Japan are on the page linked below.
