A 12-year-old boy in the city of Kyoto has admitted to smoking marijuana, it was learned Tuesday.
Investigators in the Kyoto Prefectural Police said it is extremely rare for an elementary school student to be questioned in connection with a possible violation of the Cannabis Control Law, and that no such case has been reported nationwide in at least 10 years.
According to the Kyoto Municipal Board of Education, the boy's school received a tip Oct. 14 that he was seen smoking tobacco.
When his teacher asked him about it, the student admitted to smoking cigarettes and marijuana. Several cigarettes were found in the backpack of one of his classmates, the board of education said.
The boy explained in detail to the investigators how he obtained and smoked the marijuana, but no cannabis or smoking equipment has been found so far, the police said.
The Cannabis Control Law prohibits possession and transfer of marijuana, but not its use per se. Children caught using marijuana, however, are likely to be referred to the local child consultation center for expert advice and protection.