What Is Hemp (Industrial Hemp)?
Hemp is the name given to plants of the Cannabaceae family that are grown for industrial purposes — fiber, seed, and extracted compounds. In Japanese it is also called sangyo-yo taima, or industrial hemp. Varieties and products that contain almost no THC, the compound responsible for psychoactive effects, are used around the world as raw materials for food, beauty, and materials.
Principal Uses of Hemp
CBD (Cannabidiol)
A hemp-derived compound attracting attention worldwide in the wellness and beauty fields. Used as an ingredient in a wide range of products, including oils, cosmetics, and beverages.
Food
Hemp seed, hemp oil, and hemp protein. Hemp seed has long been part of Japanese food culture — for example, in shichimi togarashi seven-spice blend.
Materials
Fiber, paper, building materials (hempcrete), bioplastics and more — drawing attention as sustainable materials with a low environmental footprint.
Agriculture & Environment
A fast-growing crop that can be cultivated with limited pesticide use. Research is also advancing from the standpoint of CO2 absorption and soil improvement.
If the Word "Cannabis" Gives You Pause
Although they belong to the same plant family, cannabis regulated as a controlled drug and hemp (industrial hemp) used for industrial purposes differ both in their intended use and in how they are treated under the law.
In Japan, the revised Cannabis Control Act took effect in December 2024, changing the basis of regulation from the part of the plant to the THC content. Only products at or below the residual limit set by the government are lawfully manufactured and distributed.
What is exhibited and displayed at JIHE (Japan International Hemp Expo) are lawful products, raw materials, and technologies that meet this standard.
Japan Enters Its New-Law Era
The December 2024 revision of the law put clear rules in place based on a residual THC limit. Japan is a market that has begun to move under its own regulatory framework, and handling and product development are expanding across the retail, beauty, food, and wellness industries.
The same revision also made cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals available for use under government control, and medical research and clinical applications are advancing internationally. CannaCon, the conference held as part of JIHE, also takes up these topics in medical cannabis — developments in Japan and abroad, and academic insights — together with experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
See the Hemp Industry Firsthand
At JIHE 2026 (Japan International Hemp Expo), brands, ingredient manufacturers, and testing laboratories from Japan and abroad come together in one place. Admission is free with advance registration.