Drug Offense Penalties in Japan: Types and Legal Consequences

Japanese drug laws are strict with no distinction between personal use and distribution. Stimulants: possession/use up to 10 years (Stimulant Control Act Art. 41-2/3). Cannabis: possession up to 5 years (Cannabis Control Act Art. 24-2), 2023 reform added use offense. Narcotics: heroin up to 10 years (Narcotics Act Art. 64-2), cocaine/MDMA up to 7 years (Art. 66). First-time cannabis possession typically receives 6-18 months suspended sentence. First-time stimulant use: 1-1.5 years suspended. Second stimulant offense likely results in imprisonment. Defense focuses on rehabilitation programs (DARC), severing supply connections, and guarantor support.