Cannabis Laws In Russia: Strict Regulations & Potential Changes

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By: Juan Sebastian Chaves Gil

In Russia, it is prohibited to possess, sell, or cultivate cannabis, and the country holds the highest number of people incarcerated for drug-related offenses in Europe on a per capita basis, primarily under Article 228. Despite this strict stance, there are signs of potential legal modifications, as the importation of cannabis for medical research is being considered. Russian legislation on cannabis prohibits both possession and consumption under Article 228 of the national Penal Code, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Although sentences may have been deferred since 2012 for those deemed to have drug problems, possession of more than six grams is considered a criminal offense. Authorities have often been accused of exaggerating the quantities of seized cannabis to justify arrests.

Penalties may include significant fines, forced labor, corrective labor, and deprivation of liberty. However, there is the possibility of avoiding punishment if the individual cooperates with authorities in combating drug trafficking.

Although possession and consumption of cannabis are common in Russia, the legal consequences are severe, with a minimal acquittal rate and most convicted individuals facing long prison sentences. Despite this, the estimated number of drug users in the country is considerably high.

Cannabis Commercialization in Russia:

In Russia, the commercialization of cannabis is prohibited and constitutes a serious offense, with severe legal consequences. Individuals caught selling this substance or any other drug face prison sentences ranging from four to eight years, with possible additional restrictions on liberty for up to one year.

Penalties are even more severe for large-scale sales or involvement in a criminal network, with sentences ranging from five to twelve years, usually accompanied by considerable fines, which could reach 500,000 rubles or the equivalent of three years’ salary.

In cases of distribution on a very large scale, in collaboration with criminal organizations, or if sales are conducted through an official position, sentences can be even longer, up to twenty years in prison. Additionally, there is the possibility of losing the right to certain jobs or activities, along with fines of up to one million rubles or five years’ salary.

Despite these punitive measures, drug trafficking remains a challenge in Russia, with estimates suggesting significant annual profits for the drug trafficking industry. Lack of employment sometimes forces Russian citizens to resort to drug selling as a means of livelihood, as mentioned by a trafficker in an interview with the Moscow Times.

Regarding the cultivation of cannabis, it is also prohibited in Russia, with penalties similar to those for sales. Even those cultivating small amounts of plants face the risk of being sentenced to long prison terms.

However, in June 2019, a bill was introduced that could relax this regulation by allowing the cultivation of cannabis for pharmaceutical purposes, but it is still pending approval by the Federation Council and the signature of President Vladimir Putin to take effect. If approved, state-owned companies could obtain special licenses for the sale of cannabis for medicinal purposes.