Japan Issues New Guidance on THC Limits in CBD Products
Japan is known as the strictest country concerning THC allowed in products. To update a 75-year-old Cannabis Control Act, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has issued new THC limits in products. However, the new guidance does little to loosen THC limits, and many think little will change in the cannabis industry.
Reforming the Cannabis Control Act began in November 2023 when a bill was passed to establish new standards for THC levels. The regulatory MHLW agency has now issued recommendations, and a public comment period was allowed to gather public comments on the reforms before they are implemented.
The reforms are seen as necessary because the heavy restrictions on THC content in CBD products are severely restricting industry growth. The current law says there must be zero observable THC levels. The new recommendation barely increases the allowable THC level in CBD products.
The public’s response has been mixed. Dr Yuji Masataka, MD, is Japan’s first specialist in medical cannabis. He believes the new THC regulations will have significant impacts on the CBD industry because they remain so strict. The initial THC limit for CBD oil was 1ppm for oil, but the revised recommendation increased the raw materials THC threshold to 10pmm or 10 mg/kg (.001%) in oil or powder. New limits were also established for aqueous solutions and food.
Dr. Masataka points to several issues with such low THC limits.
- Detecting that small amount of THC will require laboratories to invest in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometer equipment.
- The cost of testing for THC would increase.
- There will be a forced shift towards isolate products because broad spectrum and vape products may not be able to comply.
- Market growth could be slowed.
- The growth of synthetic products would be encouraged.
- CBD imports will be restricted, keeping CBD product prices high.
- There is likely to be growth in the number of fraudulent Certificates of Analysis issued.
Also noteworthy is that the full value of cannabinoids may not be realized. Dr. Masataka said,
“Cannabis products are characterized by their diversity. Stricter THC standards will homogenize products, leading to the loss of the entourage effect.”
There is also uncertainty about the impact of the strict THC limits on CBD products that patients are using.
Japan’s government officials seem intent on keeping THC content to a bare minimum. The new proposal does not change much in terms of THC content, even though, on paper, it is a tenfold increase. However, it does create a situation that leaves the CBD industry struggling to adapt while still offering customers affordable prices for beneficial products. The popularity of CBD as a natural, plant-based wellness option is making it difficult for governments to maintain severe restrictions. Japan has a thriving CBD market with over 150 companies importing, manufacturing and selling CBD products.
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