Cannabis in Russia

A History as a Major Hemp-Producing Power

Contrary to its current image of absolute prohibition, Russia has long been one of the world’s leading producers of hemp, a strategic crop used in the manufacture of ropes, sails, and textiles as early as the 18th century, and a major source of revenue for many regions of the country. This economic relationship with the plant came to an abrupt end in 1934, when the Soviet government classified cannabis as a narcotic, putting an end to most of the traditional cultivation.

Ranked among the most dangerous substances

Cannabis is currently classified in Russia as a Category I narcotic, on the same level as heroin or cocaine. Its cultivation, sale, and consumption are illegal in all forms, with no distinction between recreational and medical use. CBD occupies a gray area: while technically distinct from THC on paper, in practice it is treated with the same suspicion by the authorities and is subject to prosecution for possession, sale, or importation.

Partial decriminalization… mostly theoretical

Since a reform of the Penal Code, possession of less than 6 grams of cannabis is, in theory, an administrative offense punishable by a fine or community service, rather than a prison sentence. This threshold has fluctuated: raised to 20 grams in 2004, it was lowered back to 6 grams in 2006. Above this threshold, possession of 6 grams or more is considered a «significant quantity,» and more than 100 grams is considered an «exceptionally large quantity»; both cases are subject to prison sentences that can last several years.

In practice, this theoretical decriminalization offers little real protection: the fate of a person stopped with a small amount depends largely on the discretion of the police officer involved, and testimonies report arbitrary confiscations, pressure, and even demands for bribes. Russia also has one of the highest incarceration rates for drug-related offenses in Europe.

No medical cannabis program

In July 2019, Russia amended its narcotics legislation to partially authorize the cultivation of plants containing active substances for medical or veterinary purposes—a change that, in practice, has never been applied to cannabis. The Russian Ministry of Health has consistently maintained a stance of mistrust toward the plant, officially portraying it as a gateway to harder drugs. The national anti-drug strategy, which is set to remain in effect at least until 2030, explicitly identifies the recreational use of cannabis as a major threat to the country’s healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Cannabis is classified as Schedule I controlled substance, with no distinction between medical and recreational use; both are prohibited.
• Possession of less than 6 grams is theoretically an administrative offense, but enforcement remains highly unpredictable and risky in practice.
• No medical cannabis program does not exist, despite a 2019 law that paved the way for other plants to be used for pharmaceutical purposes.
• Russia's anti-drug strategy, as planned until at least 2030, offers no prospect of reform in the short term.

Find all of Newsweed's latest coverage here on Russia's drug policy and the rare legislative developments regarding cannabis in the country.