Thorough explanation of CBD law | Is it legal in Japan? illegal? How is it different from THC?

CBD is a natural ingredient called "cannabidiol" extracted from cannabis plants.
Since cannabis grass is the raw material, it is easy to think of the image of "CBD = cannabis = illegal", but in Japan there is no illegality of CBD.
So why is CBD not illegal? The reason is related to the composition of CBD.
According to the Cannabis Control Law, which came into effect in 1948, what is illegal in Japan is "cannabis leaves and spikes and products using them", and "mature cannabis stems or seeds and them. "Products used" are excluded from the illegal subject.
Therefore, CBD products, which are ingredients extracted from mature cannabis stems and seeds, are legal in Japan and are not exposed to the law by possession or use.
Therefore, the recognition that "CBD = different from illegal cannabis = legal" is correct.

I've found that CBD isn't illegal, but I'm wondering if it's going to make me "high" like when you've taken cannabis or marijuana.
Although CBD is a component extracted from cannabis, in fact CBD has no human-highing effects, addiction or danger.
CBD is said to have a relaxing effect, and many people in Japan use it for the purpose of improving insomnia and relieving stress.

The effects of cannabis and marijuana that many people imagine are due to a component called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
This THC is highly psychoactive and can cause euphoria and, in some cases, confusion, hallucinations and auditory hallucinations. The main component of this THC compound is illicit herbs and dangerous drugs such as marijuana, which are prohibited by Japanese law.
Since both CBD and THC are derived from cannabis plants, it's easy to confuse the effects of CBD and THC, but they are completely different compounds.
CBD is extracted from cannabis stems and seeds, while THC is extracted from cannabis leaves and spikes. Since the properties and structural formulas are completely different in the first place, the effects on the body are also very different.
Therefore, it is safe to consume CBD oil or CBD water as there is no addiction or danger.

Due to its high safety, the use of CBD by minors is not regulated, and there are cases overseas where it is prescribed not only to adults but also to children for medical purposes.
CBD is used to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, which are said to develop in early childhood, because they work to suppress epileptic seizures.

As explained above, CBD is legal and can be purchased and used in Japan without any problems.
However, not all products, including CBD, are legal.

In fact, some CBD products sold overseas may contain a small amount of "THC," which is illegal in Japan, as cannabis may be legal in some countries and states. There is.
As mentioned above, the purchase and use of products containing THC is prohibited in Japan. Therefore, when purchasing CBD products overseas, it is important to make sure that this "THC" is not included.
On the other hand, regarding CBD products sold in Japan, since the manufacture of CBD products is prohibited in Japan by the regulations of the Cannabis Control Law, those imported from overseas such as the United States and Canada are directly sold or imported raw materials. Is processed and sold.

Whether or not a CBD product is legally imported or processed from overseas depends on whether or not it has obtained "permit from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare * 1".
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare regulates products that contain THC as much as possible and calls attention to them. * 2
Therefore, you can purchase and use CBD products with confidence if they are licensed after undergoing strict examination by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

In this way, CBD can be used with confidence in Japan. Since it is a safe ingredient for the body, it can be taken daily.
However, no matter how safe the ingredient is, it has an effect on the nervous system, so excessive intake may cause side effects such as headache and diarrhea.
Whether or not you experience side effects varies from person to person, so when trying CBD, try starting with a small amount.
Also, the relaxing effect of CBD can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving a car or operating machinery after taking CBD.
And if you have a chronic illness or illness and are taking medications, don't forget to talk to your doctor or pharmacist in advance to see if there is any effect from using it with CBD. ..

※1　Reference：Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare materials | For those who are considering importing CBD products such as CBD oil
※2　Reference：Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare | Products containing THC, a cannabis ingredient