Toyko Warns the World Against Cannabis at 2020 Olympics

Countries around the world have started to legalize marijuana. But, in Japan, marijuana remains illegal and it can come with steep penalties. Organizers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have issued a warning to athletes and tourists regarding the country’s marijuana laws.

Possessing a small amount of marijuana in Japan can lead to 5 years in prison, France 24 reported. Those with a distribution amount could receive 7 years in prison. The organizers also reiterated that marijuana remains on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs).

Toshiro Muto, the Tokyo 2020 CEO, said, “There are countries and regions around the world that have relaxed rules recently on the use of cannabis. The use of cannabis constitutes a violation of the law in Japan and that needs to be fully communicated.”

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has said that marijuana may “decrease anxiety and tension, resulting in better sport performance under pressure.”