Is CBD Legal in Japan in 2025?

CBD’s popularity is growing worldwide, and Japan is no exception. The demand for CBD is rising, fueled by increasing consumer awareness and promising scientific research. However, Japan has some of the strictest regulations on CBD globally, making compliance a challenge for businesses looking to enter this market.

While CBD is legal in Japan, it must meet extremely strict requirements. The most crucial rule? It must contain absolutely no THC—not even trace amounts. Unlike many Western countries, where full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products are widely available, Japan enforces a THC limit of 0.001%.

Another key restriction is that CBD can only be marketed as a food supplement or cosmetic. It cannot be legally promoted as a medicine or treatment for specific conditions. Although Japan legalized medical cannabis for specific treatments in December 2024, over-the-counter CBD products remain subject to strict regulations and quality controls.

Hemp vs. Marijuana in Japan

Japan’s laws make a clear distinction between marijuana and hemp, but both remain tightly controlled.

• Marijuana is illegal, with severe penalties for possession, use, or sale. Offenders can face up to ten years in prison. Unlike some Western countries, Japan does not have a recreational cannabis program, and medical marijuana use is only permitted in limited cases.
• Hemp is legal but highly regulated. Businesses must obtain government permits to cultivate hemp, and only specific parts of the plant can be used for CBD extraction.

Most importantly, Japan enforces a near-zero THC limit. As of 2025, CBD products must contain less than 0.001% THC to be legal. This is one of the strictest THC regulations in the world, making it difficult for many international brands to enter the Japanese market.

How Can Businesses Sell CBD in Japan?

For companies looking to enter the Japanese CBD market, compliance is the biggest hurdle. Any CBD product must be:

• Derived from approved hemp sources
• Completely free of THC (below 0.001%)
• Marketed only as a food supplement or cosmetic (medical claims are prohibited)

Even with these restrictions, CBD demand in Japan is rising. High-quality CBD products are increasingly available in department stores, health shops, and even major airports. Japanese consumers are drawn to CBD for relaxation, skincare, and overall wellness, creating a strong demand for premium, compliant products.

Exporting CBD to Japan: Key Considerations

Japan’s CBD market presents exciting opportunities, but strict compliance is required. To successfully export CBD to Japan, businesses must:

• Ensure their products meet the 0.001% THC limit
• Obtain regulatory approvals for food or cosmetic classification
• Work with legal and distribution partners in Japan
• Source CBD from suppliers that specialize in compliance, such as Essentia Pura

While these regulations can be complex, companies that meet compliance standards and deliver high-quality products have a unique opportunity to tap into Japan’s fast-growing wellness market.

Can Military Personnel Use CBD in Japan?

CBD may be legal for civilians in Japan, but U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan are prohibited from using CBD products. The U.S. Department of Defense bans CBD use, even for legally sold products, due to concerns over potential THC contamination and drug test complications.

This means that even if a CBD product is fully compliant with Japanese law, it is still off-limits for members of the U.S. armed forces in Japan.

The Future of CBD in Japan

Despite its historically strict cannabis laws, Japan is slowly evolving its stance on CBD and medical cannabis. The legalization of medical cannabis in 2024 was a significant step forward, and while recreational cannabis remains illegal, consumer interest in CBD continues to grow.

As demand increases, brands that prioritize compliance, transparency, and quality will find success in Japan’s expanding market. Companies that can navigate regulations and offer THC-free, premium CBD products will be well-positioned to thrive in Japan’s wellness sector.

For businesses looking to enter this high-potential market, working with trusted suppliers and compliance experts is essential.

At Essentia Pura? , we specialize in THC-free, compliance-ready CBD solutions, helping brands successfully enter Japan’s CBD market.