Why do you smoke cannabis? Qualitative interviews of Japanese cannabis users
Authors
Dai Hirohashi, Yuji Masataka, Naoko Miki, Yoshiyuki Akahoshi, Ichiro Takumi and Toshihiko Matsumoto
Published
July 22, 2025
Abstract
Background
The number of cannabis-related arrests has been increasing in Japan, accompanied by the implementation of stricter legal penalties. However, there has been little investigation into the motivations behind cannabis use or the reasons for continued use among users in Japan.
Methods
This study conducted a retrospective qualitative analysis of online interview transcripts from 64 cannabis users in Japan. The interviews were analyzed to identify trends in the reasons for initiating and continuing cannabis use.
Results
The majority of participants began to use cannabis based on recommendations from close acquaintances, often in the context of psychological distress or adverse life experiences. Motivations for continued use included psychoactive effects, relaxation, substitution for other substances, self-treatment of diagnosed conditions, and general self-care. Reported adverse effects were relatively mild.
Discussion
This study reveals a notable discrepancy between the stereotypes of cannabis users promoted through drug education and the lived experiences reported by actual users. To support individuals using cannabis for self-care, it is important to establish legitimate pathways for medical cannabis use within the healthcare system. Furthermore, sharing data on patterns of cannabis use with the medical community may help to improve patient-centered care and contribute to the development of more effective, evidence-based healthcare services.
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