Last verified: 22 October 2026. General information, not legal advice. For adults 18+.
Can you bring CBD to Japan? Only if the product stays under Japan's THC residue limits: 10 ppm for oils and powders, 0.1 ppm for drinks and other water-based liquids, and 1 ppm for everything else, including gummies and vape liquids. Above that, Japan treats the product as a narcotic. THC cannabis is illegal for everyone, and since December 2024 using it is a crime too (MHLW).
The short version
- Weed is not legal in Japan for tourists, or for anyone else. Possession, use and transfer can mean up to 7 years in prison (NPA).
- CBD is allowed only below strict THC limits. A US or EU "under 0.3% THC" label is no guarantee: 0.3% is 3,000 ppm.
- CBN is banned since 1 June 2026 (NCD).
- Adderall is banned, even with a prescription. Some other medicines need advance permission (NCD).
- A positive drug test can lead to charges. Refusing a test can get you arrested (FCDO).
Law vs. practice
Japan amended its cannabis laws in two stages. Since 12 December 2024, cannabis has been regulated as a "narcotic" under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act. That change created a new crime of illicit use, which did not exist before. The same date brought in THC residue limits for products such as CBD. A second stage on 1 March 2025 created licences for growing hemp (MHLW).
In practice there is no grey zone for visitors. No shop, café or foreign medical card makes THC legal in Tokyo. MHLW says cannabis products that are legal in other countries are strictly prohibited from being brought into Japan (MHLW leaflet).
The UK government warns that you can be charged if an illegal substance is found in your bloodstream, even if you did not consent to taking it. It also says hospitals are usually required to report illegal drugs found in blood tests (FCDO).
Penalties
| Offence | Maximum or range | For profit |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis possession, transfer or use | Up to 7 years | 1–10 years + up to ¥3 million |
| Cannabis import, export or cultivation | 1–10 years | 1 year or more + up to ¥5 million |
| Stimulants, including amphetamine (Adderall) | Possession or use up to 10 years | Higher |
| Designated substances (including CBN) | Up to 3 years and/or up to ¥3 million | n/a |
Source: MHLW leaflet.
There's more than prison to worry about. Japan's immigration law allows the deportation of foreigners convicted of drug offences, and it can refuse entry to anyone with a drug conviction from any country.
Border & airport rules
CBD. These are the THC limits MHLW set for each product type (MHLW notice):
| Product | Δ9-THC limit |
|---|---|
| Oils and powders (CBD oil, powder) | 10 ppm |
| Water-based liquids (drinks, toners) | 0.1 ppm |
| Everything else (gummies, creams, vape liquids) | 1 ppm |
Tokyo Customs says that if you can't show a product is not a narcotic, it can neither be imported nor sent back. You can only abandon it (Tokyo Customs). The Narcotics Control Department offers an optional pre-check for CBD products, by email to CHECKCBD@mhlw.go.jp (NCD).
Prescriptions. You can bring up to a 1-month supply of prescription medicine, or 2 months of over-the-counter medicine, without paperwork, as long as it isn't a narcotic or stimulant. Above that, you need a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import confirmation). Apply online at impconf.mhlw.go.jp before you travel (MHLW).
Japan's prohibited medications. Amphetamine medicines such as Adderall cannot be imported, even for treatment. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse/Elvanse) needs advance permission (NCD).
Post. Don't have CBD or cannabis mailed to you. The FCDO says people have been arrested for receiving small amounts by post.
Legal options
There is no legal route to THC cannabis for visitors. The lawful options are:
- CBD products that genuinely meet Japan's limits, ideally bought in Japan with Japanese lab results;
- medicines brought in line with the MHLW rules above.
If you're unsure about a product, leave it at home.
Culture & etiquette
Drugs carry a heavy social stigma in Japan, so don't joke about them. You must carry your passport at all times. Smoking on Tokyo's streets is banned outside designated areas, even for tobacco (FCDO).
Scams to watch for
- Bar touts and drink spiking. The FCDO describes touts in Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya and Ikebukuro steering visitors to bars where drinks are spiked and cards overcharged.
- Social-media sellers. The National Police Agency warns that cannabis is sold on social media using slang terms. Don't engage.
- "Carry this for me." Never carry bags or parcels for anyone.
Harm reduction & if things go wrong
- Medical emergency: call 119 for an ambulance. Health comes first.
- Police: call 110.
- If you're arrested, police can hold you for up to 23 days before you are charged, with no bail. Interviews usually take place without a lawyer present (FCDO prisoner pack).
- Ask for a duty lawyer (tōban bengoshi); the first visit is free. Also ask for your embassy and an interpreter.
- Don't sign anything you don't understand.
- Japan Visitor Hotline (24/7): +81 50 3816 2787.
Get the full Tokyo guide
The HighAbroad Tokyo Guide goes deeper:
- the 2024 amendments, explained article by article;
- the full penalties table and the THC limits with product examples;
- step-by-step medicine rules;
- the arrest process day by day;
- emergency and embassy contacts;
- 21 numbered, dated official sources.
Stay informed, not detained. Get the full Tokyo guide →
HighAbroad provides general information only, not legal advice. We never say where or from whom to buy cannabis. Laws change; check official sources before you travel.