Japan bans 6 cannabinoids linked to illness

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan announced a ban of six synthetic cannabinoids Tuesday with structures akin to HHCH, classified as an illicit drug, due to illnesses linked to HHCH-infused gummies, according to Tokyo-based Kyodo News.

The move comes after the Health Ministry detected illness related to the consumption of gummies that contained cannabinoids.

Starting Jan. 6, it will be forbidden to possess or distribute the six substances, including HHCP, or hexahydrocannabiphorol.

Until earlier this month, HHCH was not banned in Japan, despite its structural similarity to THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, derived from cannabis, which had already been prohibited.

The ministry approved listing the six compounds as controlled substances, barring their manufacture, sale and possession, except for medical use.

The ministry last week also banned the sale of 38 items, including compound-containing gummies and cookies, in physical stores and online.

The crackdown on synthetic cannabinoids followed incidents involving cannabis gummies.

On Nov. 4, a number of individuals ranging in age from their teens to their 50s fell ill after consuming gummies labeled HHCH at a festival in western Tokyo.

Cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive chemical found in the drug, were listed as regulated narcotics under amended laws.

Japan's current Cannabis Control Act forbids the possession, transfer, acceptance, import and export of cannabis plants and products, except for licensed cultivation or research.