Since November 2023, at least 6 cases have been reported in Japan where people were sent to the hospital after intakes of products containing Hexahydrocannabiphorol (HHCP) or Tetrahydrocannabiphorol Acetate (THCPO). According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW), HCCP and THCPO are derivatives of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which shares similar psychoactive effects like THC. Overdose of HCCP and THCPO may lead to various adverse reactions like anxiety, panic, and insanity. Long-term exposure to these substances may pose severe risks to human physical, mental health and cognitive functions, especially for teenagers.
Import, possession, use, etc. of illegal drugs are subject to punishment under the law in Japan. These illegal drugs include stimulants, cannabis, marijuana, hemp, cocaine, heroin, MDMA and NPS. In Japan, smuggling of illegal drugs may face an imprisonment of up to 7 years while possession of these drugs may face an imprisonment of up to 5 years.
In this context, the MHLW announced 38 products under restrictions including HHCP and THCPO. These products are not allowed to be produced or distributed in Japan. These measures aim to prevent the abuse of dangerous substances and their impacts on public health.
