According to Tokyo Customs authorities, smuggled in liquid form, Seized cannabis oil in bottles purportedly for body oil and other products in Tokyo s Ota Ward in February Ryo Oyama Cannabis is increasingly being smuggled into Japan.
In 2021, cannabis oil accounted for 80 percent of all the cannabis products seized at Haneda and Narita airports. Customs officers said that cannabis oil is less difficult to spot because it gives off less of a distinctive odor than traditional dried leaves and flowers.
The health of users could be jeopardized because of the growing seizures.
The concentration of hallucinogenic constituents is expected to be 60 to 80 percent for cannabis oil, compared with 10 and 15 percent for dried cannabis.
Cannabis oil is often disguised as honey or body oil products. Customs officers pick up suspicious deliveries based on the sender's address and the condition of packaging. Specialized equipment is used to identify cannabis oil.
A senior customs official said that they will implement thorough border inspections to prevent smuggling.
Customs data shows that 472 kilograms of illegal drugs were seized last year at Haneda Airport in Tokyo's Ota Ward and Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture, southeast of the capital.
Stimulants accounted for the bulk of seizures at 368 kg, followed by cannabis 69 kg MDMA 13 kg and cocaine 9 kg Separately, 21,000 tablets of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, were found.
Cannabis seizures increased by 11 kg from the previous year. The majority of the products came from North America, where many states have legalized marijuana for recreational use.
In 2020, cannabis oil sales increased, as it accounted for 91 percent of all cannabis products. In 2019 and 2018 it represented less than 1 percent of the total.
Many users inhale cannabis oil through a vaporizing device. Vaporizers are available in elaborate designs to draw in young people.