As the abuse of cannabis by young people became more serious, a study group of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare was held for the first time to discuss strengthening the crackdown, such as the creation of a "crime of use" that bans the use of cannabis itself.


Attendees commented that the discussion should proceed based on detailed hazard data.

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. ..



Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has newly established a study group made up of experts in law and pharmacy in order to discuss strengthening the crackdown, such as the creation of a "crime of use" that prohibits the use itself, which is not in the current Cannabis Control Law. It was set up and the first meeting was held on the 20th.



First, a person in charge of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare explained the current state of the crackdown and the fact that medicines made from cannabis grass are used in some parts of the world.



In advancing future discussions, experts commented, "The false idea that cannabis is safe is spurring abuse, so we should show medical data on the harmful effects and discuss it." Was issued.



On the other hand, there was an opinion that "cannabis contains many ingredients, so it is important to use the necessary ones and separate the harmful parts from each other."



The next meeting will be held in February, and discussions will be held on the effects of cannabis on health, and the study group will compile a report this summer as well.

The regulation of cannabis in the world

Regulations on cannabis vary from country to country.



According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the "Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961" classifies drugs into four categories according to their danger and the strength of regulation, but for cannabis, this classification was reviewed last month.



So far,


both the category with the


highest risk of

"substances that are particularly dangerous and have no medical utility" and the category with the

next highest risk of "substances that may be abused and have an adverse effect". Although it was classified as, it was


excluded from the most dangerous classification.



Last month, the United Nations Commission on Narcotics voted for "medical benefits of drugs made from cannabis", with slightly more countries in favor than opponents, including Japan. is.



Opponents have commented that "cannabis is misleading that it has no adverse health effects."



Since it continues to be classified as the second most dangerous substance that may be abused and has an adverse effect, there is no difference in the strength of regulations and there is no effect on the handling in Japan.



Meanwhile, some countries, such as Canada and Uruguay, and some states in the United States have legalized the use of cannabis for non-medical purposes.



The International Narcotics Control Board, which oversees the implementation of international treaties, has raised concerns in its 2018 annual report.



The report states that legalization of cannabis use for non-medical purposes is contrary to the Convention and could be justified by having other Parties follow suit.



Furthermore, it is pointed out that if the use of cannabis for non-medical purposes increases, the proportion of adolescents who have ▽ dependence and abuse ▽ mental illness ▽ psychological adverse effects will increase.



In addition, it will be more difficult to prevent the smuggling of cannabis products from legalized countries to other countries.