Marijuana legalized in New York State?

On March 31, 2021, Governor Cuomo of New York signed a bill legalizing the use and cultivation of cannabis as a luxury item.

The bill would allow the possession and use of cannabis as a luxury item and cultivation at home.

Even if you are Japanese, you may want to try it once it is legalized, but the Consulate General of Japan in New York has issued the following statement.

Japan’s Cannabis Control Law has a provision that punishes cannabis when it is grown, possessed, transferred, or handed over outside japan, and may be charged with a crime. This provision may apply not only in Japan but also overseas. In this case, I ask Japanese residents and Japanese travelers to be careful not to put their hands on cannabis even outside Of Japan, in compliance with Japanese laws.

Consulate-General of Japan in New York

In other words, even if the use of cannabis is legalized in New York State, it seems that Japanese people overseas will be subject to Japan’s cannabis control law.

Please be careful about it if you are Japanese.