During Travel in Japan, Refuse If Offered 'Jelly'... Warning on the Danger of 'Daema Jelly'

Legal Cannabis Use in About 50 Countries
Check for THC or Hemp Label on Packaging Exterior

Recently in Japan, there have been consecutive cases of people experiencing physical abnormalities after consuming 'jelly containing cannabis ingredients.'

According to Fuji News Network (FNN) on the 16th, at 3 p.m. on the 3rd, a 119 emergency call was received from a passenger feeling unwell on the platform of Oshiage Station in Sumida Ward, Tokyo. At that time, four men in their 20s and one woman got off the train and complained of pain, and were transported to the hospital, but it is known that their lives were not in danger. The police said that some of them had eaten 'cannabis jelly' before boarding the train.

Also, on the 4th, at the 'Musashino Harapa Festival' held at Musashino Park in Koganei City, Tokyo, five men and women aged from their teens to their 50s complained of feeling unwell after eating 'jelly' distributed by a man in his 40s, and were transported to the hospital.

The man in his 40s who distributed the jelly told the police, "I just recommended it to others thinking that eating the jelly would make them feel good."

According to local investigative officials in Japan, what they consumed was mango-flavored jelly manufactured by a company in Osaka. As a result of the police investigation of the company, it was confirmed that the jelly contained 'cannabinoids,' a cannabis ingredient.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the jelly contains not only cannabinoids but also a substance called 'HCH (hexahydrocannabiphorol).' This substance is a synthetic compound made similar to 'THC (tetrahydrocannabinol),' a harmful cannabis ingredient that causes hallucinations.

However, this substance is not regulated as an illegal drug in Japan, making practical punishment difficult.

A Metropolitan Police Department official stated, "We will designate it as an illegal drug as soon as possible to prevent cases that cleverly change drug ingredients to evade current laws."

Be Careful with Certain Snacks When Traveling Abroad

About 50 countries, including parts of Canada and the United States, have legalized cannabis use. Since there is a risk of exposure to cannabis when traveling abroad, special caution is required. A representative example is cannabis jelly. Cannabis jelly has an appearance similar to popular jellies sold on the market.

There are also cannabis candies. Cannabis jelly and cannabis candies have flavors similar to existing products, so caution is needed when consuming them. In the case of jelly, it is difficult for the general public to distinguish it from regular jelly, but cannabis jelly usually has markings such as THC, hemp, or sambe (cannabis) on the packaging, so it should be carefully checked before consumption.

Additionally, when traveling to Thailand, be cautious of leaves given by someone. The leaves are Kratom, which is classified as a narcotic in Korea. It is a plant that produces stimulating and calming effects and is legalized in Thailand along with cannabis. In the past, 'Kratom cocktails,' where Kratom leaves were mixed into cocktails, were also popular.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.