Japan Approves Legalization of Medical Marijuana and Increases Penalties for Illegal Possession and Use | WPN World People News

On December 12, the Japanese government announced the passage of a historic bill, officially legalizing medical marijuana. This marks a significant shift in Japan's cannabis policy and provides patients with a new treatment option. Under the new law, medical marijuana will be available only to patients who have undergone strict screening, must be prescribed by certified doctors, and used in controlled medical facilities.

The passage of this bill followed years of debate and discussion, particularly over issues like social acceptance of cannabis and its health impacts. The Japanese government stated that medical marijuana would be used to treat conditions that are difficult to manage, such as cancer, chronic pain, and epilepsy, and that its use will be strictly limited to prevent any adverse effects on society.

The amendments to Japan's Cannabis Control Law and Narcotics Control Law officially took effect on December 12, legalizing the use of marijuana-based medicinal products. However, to prevent misuse following the legalization, penalties for possession or use of marijuana as a drug have been increased under the "Drug Use Offense" law. The maximum sentence for illegal possession is now raised from a maximum of 5 years in prison to 7 years.

Experts note that the implementation of this policy will have a profound impact on Japanese society, as it may help alleviate pain for some patients but could also spark legal and ethical discussions. With the new law in effect, the medical marijuana market is expected to gradually develop, but balancing therapeutic use with preventing abuse remains a crucial challenge for the Japanese government.