Challenges for the appropriate dissemination of products using ingredients derived from cannabis in Japan

Focusing on cannabidiol (CBD)

Abstract

The “Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform” approved by the Cabinet on June 7, 2022 includes the statement, “We will review cannabis-related programs and establish the environment needed for the use of cannabis-derived drugs,” and it is expected that regulatory development for the use of cannabis-derived ingredients in medicines will certainly progress in Japan in the future. Medical cannabis in the broad sense can be divided into three main categories: cannabinoid medicines, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products, and cannabis-derived products (medical cannabis in the narrow sense). What is currently under consideration in Japan is the lifting of the ban on the import, manufacture and use of cannabinoid medicines based on medical needs. Medical cannabis in the narrow sense is used in other countries as a substitute for cannabinoid medicines, but it contains Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes psychiatric dependence and has significant health effects. Therefore, it should be discussed separately from CBD, which has a low risk of dependence and abuse.

It has been pointed out that the background of recent cannabis abuse in Japan is that many young people disregard the harmfulness and danger of cannabis, and in promoting cannabinoid medicines and CBD products, care should be taken to avoid the spread of a false perception that cannabis is safe, which could lead to cannabis abuse. Health professionals should also strive to avoid affirming or spreading discourses that emphasize only the usefulness of cannabis. However, the situation regarding cannabis-derived ingredients has changed significantly since around 2018, and many health professionals have not had the opportunity to receive appropriate input in curricula. Therefore, it is necessary to provide opportunities for healthcare professionals to update their awareness of the situation and to enhance educational and awareness-raising content.