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Japan Law Revisions Allow Medical Cannabis But Tighten Other Restrictions

Epidiolex Phase III Ongoing

 
• By Lisa Takagi

After years of discussions, Japan has revised legislation relating to the use of medicines containing cannabinoids, while also officially criminalizing the non-medical use of marijuana. The move may pave the way for easier use of medicines such as Epidiolex, for which a local Phase III trial started in 2022.

Several physicians' groups had lobbied for Japan's legalization of medical cannabis over years.
Japan physician groups have lobbied for legalization of medical cannabis for years • Source: Shutterstock

Japan has officially passed revised versions of two existing laws that will lift a ban on medical cannabis use in the country while imposing a ban on the recreational use of marijuana.

The modified Cannabis Control Act and Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act will enable the medical use of cannabinoid compounds including cannabidiol (CBD), while strictly banning any recreational

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