The U.S. administration seems to be inching towards relaxing its constraints on marijuana, according to recent reports. The details of the new policy are not clear yet, but this move could have significant implications domestically and internationally. There’s no information on when the changes might be implemented, but the notion clearly represents a significant shift from the current federal stance on marijuana.

In Japan, the use of marijuana is strictly prohibited and is associated with significant societal stigma. The Japanese society remains conservative about drug use, including marijuana. Legally, penalties for possession of even small amounts of marijuana can be severe, including extended jail time.

In contrast to Japan, many states in the U.S. and countries in the EU have decriminalized marijuana use to some extent. In the U.S, a growing number of states have legalized its medical use, and a handful have even allowed recreational use. In the EU, policies vary by country, but there is broad recognition of the potential medical benefits of marijuana.