TOKYO–Tokyo’s Omotesando train station is the site of the first-ever public advertising for a CBD product in Japan, from Australian-based manufacturer Elixinol.
CBD (cannabidiol) products have been legal on a federal level in Japan since 2016, and have been available for retail purchase; they have met with some resistance from Japanese lawmakers.
“Approval to commercially advertise our Hemp Oil Drops is a major win for the hemp industry and comes after many months of working with the relevant authorities to gain authorization,” said Makoto Matsumaru, chief executive officer of Elixinol Japan in a statement.
“Japan has a very strong cultural connection with hemp, and its use by our people dates back to ancient times. Elixinol has been supplying hemp oil products to Japan for over three years, however up until now we have not been able to actively market the product range,” he said further.
“Japan has the third largest consumer economy in the world, and the audience is both sophisticated and health conscious. Culturally, the Japanese people embrace natural health care, and with an aging population there is huge interest in preventative health and wellness through clinical grade CBD supplements,” added Paul Benheim, founder and chief executive officer of Elixinol Global Limited.
Elixinol is headquartered in Australia, and with production facilities located in the United States. The company is a global manufacturer and supplier of organic hemp-based health and wellness products. The Elixinol line includes hemp-derived CBD-infused oils, tinctures, edibles, topical balms, and pet treats, as well as hemp seed wholefood products.