April 27, 2024

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Japan Restricts Marijuana Gummies Due to Health Risks

Japan Restricts Marijuana Gummies Due to Health Risks



Japan Restricts Marijuana Gummies Due to Health Risks

Marijuana Gummies Found to Contain Harmful Substances – Set to be Designated as Controlled Drugs on the 22nd, Company Ordered to Halt Sales.

Regulation of Synthetic Compounds Similar to Marijuana.

 

In response to a series of health issues related to “marijuana gummies,” the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare revealed on the 20th that it will add the synthetic compound “Hexahydrocannabinol (HHCH),” similar to harmful components of marijuana, to the list of designated controlled substances under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act.

An expert panel will convene on the 21st, and on the 22nd, HHCH is expected to be officially designated as a controlled substance, with sales, possession, and use of products containing this substance set to be prohibited from December 2nd.

 

Japan Restricts Marijuana Gummies Due to Health Risks

 

 

 

Since October, there have been numerous cases of people in Tokyo and Osaka experiencing health issues after consuming marijuana gummies, leading to hospitalizations.

In response to these incidents, on the 17th, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducted on-site inspections based on the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act at five stores in Tokyo and Osaka that sell marijuana gummies.

According to the ministry, HHCH, similar to the harmful component “Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)” in marijuana, was detected in gummies at one store in Tokyo.

 

On the 20th, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducted on-site inspections at the company in Osaka that manufactures and sells the gummies. Until the test results of the components are confirmed for the store in Tokyo and this company, a halt in sales has been ordered.

 

Currently, HHCH is not subject to regulation, but once it is designated as a controlled substance under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, its sale, possession, and use will be prohibited. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has previously designated synthetic compounds similar to THC as controlled substances under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, repeating the regulation for each specific component.

 

However, there is a possibility that products containing similar components will continue to circulate in the future. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is considering comprehensive regulations to address this issue.

Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Keizo Takami emphasized in a press conference after the cabinet meeting on this day, “Products labeled as ‘marijuana gummies’ are dangerous, so I want to urge people not to consume them.”

Japan Restricts Marijuana Gummies Due to Health Risks

(source:internet, reference only)


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