Record 6,832 People Involved in Cannabis-Related Cases in Japan in 2025

The Yomiuri Shimbun

20:00 JST, April 3, 2026

The number of people involved in cannabis-related cases — including use and possession of the drug — reached a record high of 6,832 in 2025, an increase of 754 from the previous year, according to a report released by the National Police Agency on Thursday.

Of those aged 29 or younger, who accounted for around 70% of the total, “curiosity” emerged as a common motive.

According to the agency, people in their 20s accounted for the largest share at about 53%, or 3,633 people, followed by under 20s at about 20%, or 1,373 people, and those in their 30s at about 14%, or 976 people.

By type of violation, possession of cannabis was the most common, with 5,354 people, while use of cannabis, which became a punishable offense under the revised Cannabis Control Law enacted in December 2024, accounted for 700. In addition, 192 people were involved in smuggling the drug into Japan, and 180 were involved in distributing it within the country.

The agency conducted a detailed analysis of 1,006 people found possessing or using cannabis. The results showed that about 48%, or 483 people, were under 20 years old when they first used cannabis. “Curiosity” accounted for half of the motives.

About 54% said they were unaware of the dangers or harmful effects of cannabis.

Cannabis is considered a “gateway drug” that leads to the use of other illegal substances. An official from the agency said, “The idea spreading on social media that ‘cannabis is safe’ is a misconception. It has a negative impact on the brains and mental health of young people who are still developing.”

Meanwhile, the number of individuals involved in drug-related cases, including those involving stimulants, totaled 14,574, an increase of 1,112 from the previous year, marking the third consecutive year that the number of cases has risen.