Aiuchi writes on Linked In
The outlook for cannabis and CBD in Japan in 2025 is not promising, except in the medical field.
Morley Robertson’s Perspective!
※International Journalist / Musician / Commentator
https://worldcannabisnews-award.studio.site/prediction_2025
The outlook for cannabis and CBD in Japan remains bleak, apart from medical applications.
The primary reason lies in Japan’s “isolationist” stance, upheld by both the political and media sectors.
Unlike other countries where discussions on the risks and benefits of cannabis compared to hard or synthetic drugs are open, in Japan, such issues are dismissed under the blanket term “contamination.”
As a result, the public is deprived of critical information, instead adhering to a deeply ingrained anti-drug propaganda message like “No! Absolutely not!”
This propaganda leaves no room for discussions about legalization or regulatory reform, making fair judgment of cannabis’s risks and benefits a distant goal.
The United States: No Ripple Effect Yet
For years, it was believed that the wave of legalization in the U.S. would eventually reach Japan.
However, federal-level legalization in the U.S. remains shelved.
Although Donald Trump hinted at supporting cannabis legalization during the election to win over younger voters leaning Democratic, the implementation remains uncertain.
Should a second Trump administration begin, priorities are likely to shift to policies favoring his base, such as immigration restrictions, tariffs on China, and government restructuring, leaving cannabis legalization lower on the list. Insider influence, such as from Elon Musk, could play a role in advancing legalization, but its impact remains to be seen.
Structural Issues in Japanese Media
Japanese media has a systemic flaw: a tendency to align with “the stronger side,” whether that be the government, sponsors, or mainstream public opinion.
This discourages reporting on controversial or critical topics. Moreover, Japanese media often prioritizes commentary from celebrities over experts, an approach that appears peculiar internationally.
This environment fosters an atmosphere where existing rules and systems go unchallenged, and those advocating for cannabis reform risk reputational damage by merely raising the topic.
However, when public opinion shifts, Japanese media can quickly change course.
For instance, the once-strong anti-nuclear stance of the 2010s has now softened, with discussions around nuclear reactor restarts gaining traction.
Similarly, previously deferential political reporting on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party became more critical when the party lost its majority.
▼Continued in the reply
2025 Cannabis & CBD Industry Trends & News Predictions
https://lnkd.in/ggD4UQXw
