As the abuse of cannabis by young people becomes more serious, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has decided to set up a meeting of experts soon to consider strengthening the crackdown.


Since the current law does not prohibit the use of cannabis itself, we will discuss whether to impose new penalties.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, a total of 4,570 people were arrested nationwide for possessing cannabis in a year, a record high for the sixth consecutive year, and more than half are young people in their 20s or younger. ..



Therefore, in order for the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to consider strengthening the crackdown, it was found by interviewing the people concerned that a new study group will be set up by experts in law and pharmacy within this month.



The current Cannabis Control Law prohibits possession or cultivation of cannabis, but since the act of using it itself is not subject to regulation, including whether to create a new "crime of use" etc. It means to discuss.



Another consideration is the handling of pharmaceuticals made from cannabis plants.



Although it is used as an analgesic for cancer overseas, it is subject to regulation in Japan, so we will consider whether it can be used in Japanese medical practice and discuss the revision of the law.



The study group will compile a report this summer as well.

What is the Cannabis Control Law?

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, cannabis fiber and seeds have historically been used as raw materials for clothing, shimenawa, and shichimi in Japan.



After the war, GHQ = Allied Forces General Headquarters completely banned including cultivation, but the country enacted the Cannabis Control Law in 1948 to protect hemp farmers, and only those who have permission can handle it. We have created a license system.



In addition to research, its use is limited to fiber and seed collection, and violations can result in imprisonment of up to 10 years.



On the other hand, the Cannabis Control Law does not have a "crime of use" that prohibits the use of cannabis itself.



According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, when enacting the law, it was pointed out that licensed hemp farmers could inhale the ingredients of cannabis, and it is believed that "crime of use" was not included.



According to the people concerned, even if there is evidence of using cannabis, there are cases where it cannot be arrested unless it is possessed, and investigators and others are calling for the creation of a "crime of use".

Also used as a medicine overseas

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, several medicines made from cannabis plants have been approved in the United States and other countries, and are used for the purpose of treating epilepsy and controlling pain such as cancer.



However, in Japan, it is regulated by the Cannabis Control Law, so in principle, it is prohibited to bring it into Japan.



On the other hand, conducting clinical trials in Japan for these drugs is not subject to regulation, so it is necessary to sort out how they are legally positioned.

"Cannabis is safe" is also error-dependent

On the other hand, cannabis is the most abused drug in the world, and it has been pointed out that it not only causes various mental symptoms but also causes dementia because it atrophies a part of the brain.



Because of their addiction, there is a risk of becoming addicted, and many people use cannabis as a trigger to take more effective illegal drugs such as stimulants, which is also called "gateway drug".



Overseas, some countries such as Canada and Uruguay allow the use of cannabis, and it is said that it is a factor that spreads false thoughts such as "It is safe because it is legalized overseas", but in these countries There is a circumstance that I had to legalize it.



According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, 20% to 40% of people in Europe and the United States experience cannabis in their lifetime. It is said that there is an aim to put.

The number of people cleared is the largest among young people

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, a total of 4,570 people were arrested by the Drug Control Department and the police for possessing and cultivating cannabis in a year, which is more than 800 more than the previous year. ..



It has increased for the sixth consecutive year and has reached a record high.



Of these, 57% are young people in their 20s or younger.



The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare believes that the number of people, mainly young people, is increasing because the false image that "cannabis is safe" is spreading on the Internet and SNS.



In addition, the seizure rate of adults has increased to about 430 kg for 4 consecutive years, and it is said that those containing more hallucinogenic ingredients and "cannabis wax" with concentrated ingredients are on the market.



The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has increased its vigilance and is calling for "abuse of cannabis is illegal and not only will you be arrested, but it will also have a great impact on your family and friends, so please do not touch it."