In Japan, there exists a grand contradiction in cannabinoid regulation. Currently, only mature hemp stems and hemp seeds are recognized as permissible raw materials for manufacturing CBD products. Strangely enough, CBD extracted from flowers and leaves is deemed “illegal,” despite being the same compound.
But really, who’s going to discern whether that CBD is stem-derived or flower-derived? While one might understand the difference between Sativa and Indica, unfortunately, distinguishing whether CBD comes from the stem or flower is beyond me. Who on earth cares about the origin of CBD components anyway?
And surely, even the regulatory bureaucrats must be scratching their heads. If anyone knows whether CBD can be extracted industrially from hemp stems and seeds, and what sorcery it takes to do so, please enlighten us.
But Japan’s regulatory absurdity doesn’t stop there. When importing CBD products into Japan, one must first submit product documents to the regulatory authorities and obtain import approval. And these necessary documents not only include ingredient analysis tables but also require submitting photos of mature hemp stems used as raw materials and photos of those stems being fed into a pulverizer.
The stringent regulation of CBD in Japan stems from the exceedingly strict regulation of cannabis itself. In Japan, mere possession of a small amount of cannabis can lead to arrest and up to 23 days of detention in a police cell. Yes, this is a true story. It’s a measure inconceivable in a country that respects human rights.
(And keep this strictly between us, but truth be told, the general human rights consciousness in Japanese society is still stuck in the Middle Ages. In fact, many of Japan’s parliamentarians are second, third, or even fourth-generation lawmakers.)
Importing cannabinoid products into Japan involves a highly intricate process. I’ve personally had arduous negotiations with regulatory officials and successfully imported CBD oil from the US to Japan in 2013, becoming the first to do so. And it has brought joy to many suffering individuals, particularly those with epilepsy, for whom the effects have been remarkable. They couldn’t care less whether the CBD is stem-derived or flower-derived. It’s a non-issue.
We have the know-how to import cannabinoid products into Japan. If you’re looking to tap into the Japanese market, please feel free to reach out to us.