I am an ultrarunner with medical/pharma background and know that use of cannabidiol (CBD) products is becoming increasingly prevalent among athletes. In fact, I myself is a user of CBD products so I thought that I should write about how things are in Japan, for the benefit of tourists and fellow athletes visiting Japan.
Be Aware – Cannabis is illegal in Japan, but CBD without THC content isn’t
Here are basic things that you need to know. Keep them in mind and enjoy your stay in Japan.
First and foremost, you need to remember that possession of (and of course, use of) Marijuana is illegal in Japan. It is a criminal offence and you could face charges even if it is a medical cannabis.
For athletes, WADA's ban on cannabis is applies only during the competition but as long as you are in Japanese jurisdiction, Japanese criminal law overrides here. The Tokyo Olympic Committee is clear on this point and already issued a warning statement so don’t mess up.
Having said that, both possession and use of CBD products without THC content are legal and can be purchased in Japan.
Key is that the product does not contain THC. It might not be as effective as medical cannabis but use and possession of full spectrum CBD products won’t put you in jail (as long as it is without THC!).
I’ve been a use of full spectrum products that brings reasonably satisfying entourage effects. I would recommend them.
Where to buy CBD products in Tokyo?
I’d recommend VapeMania in Ueno, Tokyo. The shop is about 5-minute walk from Ueno Station and Google Map would do the perfect job of taking you to the store from the station. Ueno is quite close to the center and is only 10-minute ride from Tokyo Station.
Store staffs are friendly, capable and knowledgeable, and can communicate in English. They pride themselves on a selection of CBD products that they offer, and you’ll see familiar brands e.g. PharmaHemp, CBDFX, O2, NATUuR, Koi, AZTEC.
Their wide variety of items at the store includes vaping products, CBD oils (tinctures), waxes, and edible pastes. They also sell vaporizers, from simple ones to technical mods and atomizers, so in fact you don’t have to bring your kits to Japan if you cannot do so.
Mail-orders through their website are also available, although you might need a bit of help from Google Translate which, in my opinion, does a reasonable job on VapeMania’s website.
Vape Mania
Business hours / 12:00 to 21:00(JST) from Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday
Address / Toho Building 31, 3-16-3 Higashi Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Phone / +81-3-5937-0099
Accepts credit cards, including American Express
