Is Cannabis Legal in Japan?
Prohibited — do not bring
Cannabis, marijuana, THC, and most CBD products are prohibited in Japan under the Cannabis Control Act. A foreign medical-cannabis prescription does NOT authorize import. Even CBD oils, gummies, and tinctures marketed as legal in the US are routinely seized at Japanese customs unless they are certified THC-free AND pre-approved by NCD.
Japan status
Prohibited
Quantity threshold
Not applicable
Substance class
Cannabis
Why is Cannabis controlled in Japan?
Cannabis is prohibited under Japan's Cannabis Control Act. The 2024 amendment created very limited medical-cannabis pathways inside Japan, but no foreign cannabis product — including Epidiolex, Sativex, or US dispensary CBD — can be brought across the border.
What you need to know before travel
- 1A doctor's letter does NOT permit import of prohibited substances — they cannot be brought into Japan under any circumstance.
- 2If you take this medication, ask your prescribing doctor for a written treatment plan documenting an alternative therapy that is legal in Japan.
- 3Carry that alternative-therapy letter at customs in case you are asked to explain why you do not have your usual medication.
Legal alternatives in Japan
Discuss these with your prescriber before travel. Switching medications mid-trip is not advisable.
Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Available with prescription in Japan for chronic pain and seizures.
Gabapentin
Not a controlled substance in Japan. Available with prescription.
Frequently asked questions
Is CBD oil legal in Japan?▼
Only CBD products that are certified THC-free AND have been pre-approved by Japan's NCD are legal. Most US CBD products do not meet this bar. Customs has seized CBD gummies, oils, and tinctures marketed as legal in the US. When in doubt, do not bring any cannabis-derived product.
What about FDA-approved Epidiolex for epilepsy?▼
Epidiolex is FDA-approved in the US but is not authorized for import into Japan. Patients with refractory epilepsy should work with a Japanese neurologist before travel to arrange an alternative regimen.
Penalties for cannabis possession at the border?▼
Up to 5 years' imprisonment for personal use under the Cannabis Control Act. Customs treats CBD products as cannabis unless you can prove THC-free certification and NCD pre-approval at the gate.
Related medications
Check your full travel kit
Cannabis is just one medication — most travelers carry several. Our free checker reviews your entire prescription list against Japan’s import rules.
Check all my medicationsSource: MHLW Narcotics Control Department — Controlled Substances List (12 Dec 2024). Page last reviewed 2026-05-31 by Dr. Lo and Dr. Lee (PharmD). Regulations change — verify with the MHLW Narcotics Control Department before travel. This page is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your prescribing physician or from a Japanese customs authority.