Japan takes steps to legalize medical cannabis

The government of Japan is considering a revision of its Cannabis Control Law, which would allow the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes by patients with serious illnesses, advanced the report. The Japan News. This is a significant step forward for the country, which has been slow to embrace the medicinal benefits of cannabis despite growing evidence of its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions.

The proposed revision would allow patients with epilepsy and other diseases for which existing drugs are ineffective to use drugs produced from the cannabis plant, as is already the case in many countries around the world.

The main reason for banning cannabis in medicine in Japan is the presence of the substance that has an intoxicating effect on cannabis plants, THC. However, the proposed revision would allow patients to use drugs made from the cannabis plant without fear of legal repercussions.

Currently, there are no penalties for cannabis use in Japan, as farmers who grow hemp with permission from prefectural governors can consume substances from the plant during their harvest. However, the government intends to strengthen the crackdown on cannabis with regard to recreational use, to prevent cannabis abuse among young people.

Cannabis has been dubbed the “gateway drug” as it is said to lead to other forms of abuse of other drugs and substances. However, the medical benefits of cannabis far outweigh the risks associated with its use, and the government's decision to allow its medical use is a big step for Japan.

The proposed revision to the Cannabis Control Act is due to be submitted during the current diet session, and if passed, will bring Japan in line with other countries that have already recognized the medicinal benefits of cannabis. This would be a positive, and somewhat anticipated, development for patients with conditions where cannabis use has proven to be an effective alternative.