Japan’s government appears to be set to adopt a limited medical cannabis legalization measure. A health ministry panel in Japan previously issued cannabis policy recommendations, including a recommendation that Japan allow medical cannabis products to be imported. Those recommendations are reportedly on their way to becoming law.
Generally speaking, allowing medical cannabis product imports is a good thing. However, cannabis observers and advocates around the world need to temper their celebrations, as the measure being considered in Japan is very limited upon further inspection, and part of the measure is particularly troubling.
In addition to legalizing products ‘whose safety and efficacy were confirmed under laws governing pharmaceuticals and medical devices’ to be allowed for importation, the measure also requires that Japan make cannabis consumption itself a crime if it’s not for authorized medical purposes. Per The Japan News:
The government is poised to allow the use of MMJ to treat patients with intractable diseases, according to the outline of bills revealed on Tuesday. The government is considering submitting the bills, including one to revise the Cannabis Control Law during the current Diet session. The proposed revision would also criminalize the use of cannabis.
Read more at internationalcbc.com