Japan’s cannabidiol market has evolved cautiously, shaped by strict regulatory controls and cultural perspectives rooted in the country’s historical relationship with hemp. Hemp cultivation in Japan dates back centuries, primarily for fiber and textiles, especially in regions like Tochigi Prefecture, known for traditional hemp farming. However, the modern CBD market began gaining traction only in the late 2010s when companies such as Cannabist Japan and Pharma CBD started introducing isolate-based cannabidiol products due to Japan’s stringent laws banning THC content. Extraction technologies employed by local pioneers typically include supercritical CO2 extraction favored for purity, while ethanol extraction remains less common because of tighter regulations. Unlike many Western markets embracing full-spectrum cannabinoids, Japanese regulations effectively restrict THC, prompting companies to focus on pure CBD isolates to comply with the Cannabis Control Act. Packaging and delivery innovations are emerging as well, with firms like Endoca Japan exploring nanoemulsion techniques to boost bioavailability in topical and oral formulations.

Globally, Japan’s position remains conservative as the country closely monitors international trends, especially following the loosening of cannabis laws in Canada and parts of Europe. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare enforces strict oversight on cannabidiol use, prohibiting CBD in foods and beverages, mirroring the cautious stance of the U.S. FDA before broader acceptance. Certification and labeling standards emphasize rigorous third-party lab testing, with companies like Sakura Medical Lab leading transparency efforts to ensure products are free from contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. Ongoing safety research conducted by institutions such as the National Institute of Health Sciences focuses on understanding potential side effects and long-term impact, especially in elderly demographics. According to the research report, "Japan Cannabidiol Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the Japan Cannabidiol market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 390 Million by 2030.The cannabidiol market in Japan is characterized by measured expansion and a competitive field led by established wellness and pharmaceutical firms navigating strict regulations. Online sales platforms including Rakuten and Amazon Japan serve as primary distribution channels, with brands like Pharma CBD leveraging direct-to-consumer models that emphasize product transparency and quality certifications.

Physical retail presence remains selective, with health-focused stores in Tokyo and Osaka stocking mainly topical CBD products due to prohibitions on ingestibles. Multi-channel marketing strategies increasingly rely on social media influencers who promote awareness while adhering to advertising restrictions imposed by social media platforms. These regulations limit overt marketing, requiring brands to focus on educational content to clarify common misconceptions about CBD’s non-psychoactive nature and differentiate it from THC-related stigma. Japanese companies often source hemp from overseas, including European suppliers like HemPoland, due to limited domestic cultivation capacity. This reliance adds complexity to maintaining consistent quality standards. Product innovation in Japan is advancing with firms such as Endoca Japan and Cannabist introducing CBD-infused cosmetics and personal care items that incorporate terpenes to enhance effects.

Consumer preference is increasingly skewing toward natural and sustainably sourced products, reflecting a wider cultural shift. The competitive landscape shows some consolidation with partnerships between pharmaceutical companies like Taisho Pharmaceutical and emerging CBD producers aiming to explore therapeutic potentials. Automation in production and GMP certification play critical roles in ensuring safety and efficiency. Collaborative efforts with healthcare institutions, including clinical trials conducted by Tokyo Medical University, contribute to legitimizing cannabidiol’s role in health. Cross-industry initiatives with beauty brands like FANCL further integrate CBD into mainstream wellness. In Japan, oils & tinctures are among the most popular cannabidiol products, particularly in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, where consumers are increasingly seeking natural alternatives to manage stress and enhance wellness.

These products are often found in specialized health stores and online platforms, with a growing number of consumers turning to CBD oils for relief from anxiety, insomnia, and pain. The Japanese market for capsules & softgels is also expanding, driven by consumers who prefer a convenient and precise way to consume CBD. These products are widely available in pharmacies and wellness shops across Japan, especially in major urban centers like Tokyo and Kyoto, where there is a high demand for supplements that promote mental clarity, relaxation, and general well-being. Gummies & confectionery products infused with CBD have started to gain attention in Japan, particularly among younger consumers and those who are looking for a discreet and enjoyable way to incorporate CBD into their daily lives. These gummies are increasingly available in wellness-focused shops, department stores, and online, offering an easy entry point into the CBD market for new users. In the realm of topicals & skin care, Japanese consumers are highly interested in CBD-infused beauty products, with creams, lotions, and serums being marketed for their anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.

In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, CBD skin care is becoming a popular trend, particularly among those seeking plant-based solutions for acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. Vape products, although not as widely embraced as in Western countries, have a niche presence in urban centers like Shibuya in Tokyo, where vaping culture is more prevalent. Other CBD products, including beverages and functional foods, are also making their way into the Japanese market, although they are still considered novel and are mostly available in upscale wellness stores or through specialized online retailers.The wellness & personal use segment is the primary end-use for cannabidiol products in Japan, particularly in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Consumers in these urban areas are increasingly adopting CBD products for their potential to alleviate stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. Many Japanese people incorporate CBD oils and tinctures into their daily routines, especially for mental health benefits, as stress management is a key concern in Japanese society. The nutraceuticals & supplements sector is also growing in Japan, where CBD products are marketed as natural alternatives to conventional supplements.

These products, particularly CBD softgels and capsules, are popular among health-conscious consumers who are seeking to improve their energy levels, sleep quality, and mental focus. In Japan, pet care is an emerging market for CBD, especially in pet-loving cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where pet owners are exploring CBD products to help their pets with anxiety, joint pain, and other age-related issues. CBD-infused pet treats and oils are slowly becoming available in pet stores and online platforms. The cosmetics & skin care segment is rapidly expanding in Japan, with CBD-infused creams, masks, and lotions gaining popularity for their purported anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. In cities like Tokyo, CBD skincare is becoming a trend, especially in the luxury beauty and wellness market. The pharmaceutical industry in Japan is more cautious with regard to CBD, given the country’s strict regulations around medical cannabis.

However, there is growing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of CBD for chronic pain, epilepsy, and other medical conditions. While the use of CBD for medical purposes remains limited, Japan is increasingly open to exploring its potential in clinical research. Food & beverages containing CBD are starting to appear in select cafes and upscale restaurants, particularly in areas like Omotesando in Tokyo, where health-conscious individuals are seeking innovative ways to consume CBD as part of their diet.In Japan, marijuana-derived CBD is tightly regulated due to the country's strict laws surrounding cannabis. Marijuana is illegal for recreational use in Japan, and while the country has a highly regulated medical cannabis program, marijuana-derived CBD products remain scarce and largely unavailable to the general public. The Japanese government does permit the use of cannabidiol derived from hemp, but marijuana-derived CBD is still largely restricted for medical or research purposes. Hemp-derived CBD is the dominant source for the cannabidiol market in Japan.

Hemp is legal to cultivate in the country, and Japanese companies have been exploring the potential of hemp-derived CBD products for consumer use. Unlike marijuana, hemp-derived CBD does not contain significant amounts of THC, which allows it to be marketed more broadly and without the strict regulatory barriers that marijuana-derived products face. Regions such as Hokkaido have become known for their hemp cultivation, where local farmers are increasingly turning to hemp as a cash crop. Hemp-derived CBD products, such as oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals, are widely available in Japan, particularly in urban centers like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. The demand for hemp-derived CBD is being driven by growing awareness of its potential health benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and support for mental clarity and relaxation. As Japan’s hemp industry continues to grow, the market for hemp-derived CBD products is expected to expand further, with increased availability across pharmacies, wellness shops, and online platforms.  Considered in this report• Historic Year: 2019• Base year: 2024• Estimated year: 2025• Forecast year: 2030Aspects covered in this report• Cannabidiol Market with its value and forecast along with its segments• Various drivers and challenges• On-going trends and developments• Top profiled companies• Strategic recommendationBy Product Form• Oils & Tinctures• Capsules & Softgels• Gummies & Confectionery• Topicals / Skin Care• Vape Products• OthersBy End Use• Wellness & Personal Use• Nutraceuticals & Supplements• Pet Care• Cosmetics & Skin Care• Pharmaceuticals• Food & BeveragesBy Source• Marijuana• Hemp.