Marijuana Arrests in Japan Decline Slightly, But Concerns Over Youth Consumption Persist

In a recent announcement by the National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan, marijuana-related arrests experienced a small decline in 2022 – the first time in nine years. Despite this decrease, concerns over the drug’s usage among young people persist, prompting authorities to increase public awareness and combat online drug sales.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

According to NPA data, 5,342 individuals were arrested for marijuana-related incidents in 2022, a decrease of 140 from the previous year. Delving into the age demographics, 17.1% of those arrested were under 20 years old, and those in their 20s accounted for 53.4% of the total. The 30s age bracket made up 17.4% of arrests. The statistics reveal that 70% of marijuana arrests involved individuals under 30 years of age, raising fears of increasing drug use among younger populations.

The Alarming Trend of Youth Involvement

The data highlights an unsettling trend of marijuana usage among young people. Among those arrested, 160 were university students, 150 were high school students, and 11 were junior high school students. The rise in youth involvement in marijuana-related incidents has sparked concern among authorities and calls for more effective preventative measures.

First-Time Offenders and Types of Arrests

A significant number of those arrested were first-time offenders, making up approximately 75% of the total. The breakdown of the types of arrests is as follows: over 80% were arrested for possession, 251 for distribution, 225 for cultivation, 184 for receiving, and 74 for smuggling marijuana into the country.

Reasons Behind Marijuana Use Among Young People

The NPA’s analysis of 911 suspects arrested for simple possession between October and November 2022 revealed that 52.1% started using marijuana before turning 20, up from 36.4% in 2017. Additionally, 59.6% cited curiosity or amusement as their reason for using the drug, while 18.4% claimed they used it in “the mood of the moment.” Most notably, 79.5% of respondents believed that marijuana has little to no adverse effects.

The Role of Social Media in Accessing Marijuana

One factor contributing to the accessibility of marijuana among young people is social media. The NPA found that many individuals were able to obtain the drug through online contacts. In response to this, the agency has been working to remove social media posts selling marijuana and educating the public about the drug’s potential harms.

NPA’s Efforts to Address the Issue

The NPA is committed to tackling the increasing trend of marijuana use among young people. Some of their strategies include the following:

1. Social Media Monitoring: Authorities are continuously monitoring social media platforms to identify and remove posts promoting the sale of marijuana.
2. Public Education Campaigns: The NPA is actively engaging in public awareness campaigns, targeting schools and communities to inform young people about the risks and consequences of marijuana use.
3. Collaboration with International Partners: The NPA is working closely with international law enforcement agencies to curb drug smuggling and share best practices in combating the global drug problem.
4. Strengthening Legal Frameworks: The NPA is advocating for stricter regulations and penalties for drug-related offenses, particularly those involving young people.