CBN's Regulatory Status in Japan: What the February 2026 Deferral Actually Means for Your Business
The Pharmaceutical Affairs Council ruled CBN designation "appropriate" in October 2025. The February 2026 promulgation was deferred — but the intent has not changed. Here is exactly what that distinction means for brands currently selling or planning to sell CBN products in Japan, and what you should do now.
Read articleJapan's THC Residue Limits: The Water-Soluble Trap Most Brands Miss
The 0.1 ppm limit for aqueous products is 100× stricter than the oil standard — and almost universally overlooked by international brands entering Japan.
Read article Market OpportunityWhy CBG Is the Best Positioned Cannabinoid for Japan in 2026
As CBN exits the market, a ¥10 billion gap opens. CBG is currently unscheduled, well-tolerated by regulators, and shows strong consumer demand in Japan.
Read article Service UpdateIntroducing Import Verdict™: Get an Official Answer Before You Ship
Japan's regulatory landscape demands formal authority verification before any import commitment. Import Verdict™ delivers exactly that — for ¥55,000 per product.
Read article Regulatory AlertJapan's Cannabis Control Act Revised: Everything About December 12, 2024
Japan shifted from plant-part regulation to component regulation. Complete breakdown of what changed, what is now legal, and what new limits apply to each product category.
Read article Compliance GuideWhy Overseas CoAs Are No Longer Sufficient for Japan Import
MHLW now requires testing by Japan-certified laboratories. Which labs qualify, what tests are required, and how to coordinate this from outside Japan.
Read article Compliance GuideIsolate vs. Broad-Spectrum in Japan: Which Is Easier to Import in 2025?
Isolate products have a significantly simpler compliance profile. But broad-spectrum is not impossible — here is the path to making it work under current MHLW requirements.
Read article Market OpportunityJapan's CBD Market in 2026: Size, Opportunity, and the Brands Winning Now
Despite tighter regulation, Japan's CBD market continues to grow. Current landscape, which channels are performing, and where the opportunity lies for new entrants.
Read article Compliance GuideMHLW Import Notification: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Brands
The complete import notification process — required documents, timelines, common rejection reasons, and how to prepare a successful application.
Read article HistoryHow Japan's First CBD Import Was Approved in 2013 — And What It Took
A look back at the negotiation that built Japan's CBD import pathway from scratch — before any framework existed, before any precedent, starting from zero.
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