Key Facts
• September 2, 2025: Suntory Holdings announced Chairman Takeshi Niinami’s resignation.
• Police investigation began with a supplement purchase linked to Niinami.
• The supplement may have contained THC, an illegal cannabis compound in Japan.
• No supplements were found during a home search; urine tests returned negative.
• THC (Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) is strictly regulated under Japan’s Cannabis Control Act.
• CBD (Cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound, was legalized for medical use in 2023.
• THC contamination in CBD products exceeding legal limits is considered illegal in Japan.
• 2024: Japan enforces stricter THC residue standards for CBD products.
• 85.1% of cannabis-related arrests involve individuals under 30.
• Risks include unintentional possession of illegal THC-laced products imported from abroad.
Summary
Suntory Chairman Takeshi Niinami resigned following a police investigation into a supplement he purchased, suspected of containing THC, an illegal cannabis compound in Japan. Despite no evidence of THC use or possession, the case highlights the risks of unregulated cannabis-derived products. Japan’s 2023 legal reforms allowed CBD for medical use but maintained strict THC regulations. From 2024, stricter THC residue standards will apply to CBD products. The incident underscores the importance of consumer caution, as even unintentional possession of THC-laced products can lead to legal consequences. This case also reflects a broader trend of increasing cannabis-related offenses, particularly among younger demographics.
