HIRATA Corporation is actively promoting research and development utilizing biological genetic resources as part of its new business initiatives. This includes candidate discovery and commercialization efforts leveraging advanced analysis, evaluation, and interpretation technologies.

Since April 2025, we have been offering contract analysis services that utilize our proprietary high-level analytical technologies, and it has been widely utilized by customers.

HIRATA is pleased to announce that we have obtained the necessary qualifications for handling narcotic substances and will launch a new inspection service for residual narcotic components in CBD-containing products starting February 2026.

Ⅰ．Overview of CBD Product Inspection Service

• We will quantify narcotic components (Δ9-THC and Δ9-THCA-A) contained in customer-provided products or samples and report the results compared to the residual limit values.
• The service covers all product categories specified by law (oils, aqueous solutions, and others).
• We provide highly accurate analytical results using LC-MS/MS methods in accordance with testing procedures stipulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Ⅱ．Background of Service Launch

• CBD, a cannabis-derived ingredient, is expected to offer various health benefits such as relaxation, improved sleep, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its safety has been confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the market for CBD-containing products is rapidly expanding worldwide.
• In Japan, the market is also expected to grow significantly. However, following the promulgation of the “Act Partially Amending the Cannabis Control Act and the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act” in December 2023, manufacturers of CBD-containing products have been required to conduct residual narcotic component testing since December 2024.
• Domestic residual limit values for narcotic components are set extremely low compared to overseas standards, requiring advanced analytical capabilities. Currently, facilities capable of performing high-precision testing for CBD products remain limited.
• By offering part of the analytical expertise cultivated through our genetic resource research and development as an inspection service, we aim to meet the rapidly increasing market demand and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society from health perspective.

Reference:
The company is listed on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s website as an institution capable of conducting Δ9-THC content testing.
URL: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_43079.html
The list of the institutions: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/11120000/001601330.pdf
*Please be advised that the above URL and PDF are provided in Japanese only. 

Ⅲ．Impact on Financial Performance

At present, the impact of this initiative on our financial performance is undisclosed.

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