Crime Japan cannabis cases reach record high

thomas · 3 Apr 2026

The number of people apprehended nationwide for cannabis-related offences, including possession and use, reached a record 6,832 over the past year, according to data compiled by the NPA. More than 70% of those involved were aged 20 or younger. The figures point to the growing spread of the drug among younger generations.

The figure marked an increase of 754 cases compared with the previous year, setting a new record high. By age group, those in their 20s accounted for 3,633 cases, while 1,373 involved individuals under 20, both of which were the highest levels seen in the past decade. Among younger offenders, 243 were university students, 315 were high school students, and 28 were junior high school students. People aged 20 and under made up more than 70% of all cases, underscoring the seriousness of cannabis use spreading among youth. Between April and June of last year, five individuals, including male high school students, were arrested in Miyazaki Prefecture on suspicion of possessing cannabis.

A National Police Agency survey of people apprehended last year for suspected narcotics offences found more than 40% of those aged 20 and under had learned about dealers online. In over 90% of those cases, social media was involved.

On those platforms, cannabis deals often use coded language. It has become fairly common. Awareness of risks appears low. Some 53.6% said the drug had "none" or "little" harmful effect, compared with just 3.5% for stimulants.

Cannabis Cases Hit Record High in Japan

The number of people apprehended nationwide for cannabis-related offenses, including possession and use, reached a record 6,832 over the past year, with more than 70 percent of those involved aged 20 or younger, highlighting the growing spread of the drug among younger generations, according to...

newsonjapan.com

Lothor · 3 Apr 2026

With Japan's permissive attitude to tobacco and alcohol (low prices, loose restrictions on advertising to the point that a beer brand can sponsor the ekiden and Japan Tobacco can sponsor TV programmes showing women's volleyball), this finger-wagging about the risks of cannabis comes over as Japan Inc. protecting its interests rather than genuine concern about public health.

johnnyG · 3 Apr 2026

I glanced at what might have been a similar article in the paper this morning.

Ukigumo · 3 Apr 2026

It seems Japan is catching up with the West. Cannabis use is ubiquitous here; I smell it when taking my daily constitutional along the seafront, and it only third to steroid and GLP-1/GIP agonist use!

I assume the declining Yakuza are steering its supply and sale?

mdchachi · 3 Apr 2026

Ukigumo said:
It seems Japan is catching up with the West. Cannabis use is ubiquitous here; I smell it when taking my daily constitutional along the seafront, and it only third to steroid and GLP-1/GIP agonist use!

I assume the declining Yakuza are steering its supply and sale?

It's legalized here in my state (except it's still illegal at the federal level). Each city can decide whether or not to allow stores (dispensaries). There are at least three in the next town over that I'm aware of. Needless to say usage is ubiquitous here too.

Ukigumo · 3 Apr 2026

At least your states gets tax revenue from its legalisation!

Is there increased crime rates, unemployment, laziness, sales of Grateful Dead's music?

mdchachi · 4 Apr 2026

Ukigumo said:
At least your states gets tax revenue from its legalisation!

Is there increased crime rates, unemployment, laziness, sales of Grateful Dead's music?

Good question. Possibly yes. My nephew got laid off but he doesn't smoke and in his case it was directly due to Trump's war.

Ukigumo · 4 Apr 2026

That's rough. Thanks fat orange nutter!

thomas · 4 Apr 2026

Posts using vegetable and broccoli emojis, often seen on social media, are being used as coded references to cannabis, authorities say, warning that the trend is helping drive a rise in drug use among young people. A growing number of posts use emojis like vegetables or broccoli as slang for cannabis and to signal possible transactions. One report said social media was now flooded with such coded language, including references to "premium vegetables" or "broccoli".

The broccoli emoji refers to dried cannabis, while a honey emoji points to cannabis liquid. Phrases like "hand-push" indicate in-person deals and, when paired with a place name, suggest a hand-to-hand exchange at that location.

'Broccoli' And 'Honey' Emojis Mask Cannabis Trade Spreading Among Japan's Youth

Posts using vegetable and broccoli emojis—commonly seen on social media—are in fact coded messages referring to cannabis, as authorities warn that such disguised posts are contributing to a rapid increase in drug use among young people.

newsonjapan.com

Lothor · 4 Apr 2026

The younger Spawn of Lothor hates broccoli. If he develops a sudden interest in it, I'll monitor the situation carefully!

Crime Japan cannabis cases reach record high

thomas

Unswerving cyclist

Cannabis Cases Hit Record High in Japan

Lothor

Freelance proofreader

johnnyG

Sempai

Ukigumo

Sempai

mdchachi

Moderator

Ukigumo

Sempai

mdchachi

Moderator

Ukigumo

Sempai

thomas

Unswerving cyclist

'Broccoli' And 'Honey' Emojis Mask Cannabis Trade Spreading Among Japan's Youth

Lothor

Freelance proofreader

Similar threads