Cannabis in Russia

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Cannabis in Russia: a short, simple guide

What is legal today
- Cannabis is illegal in Russia. Possessing up to 6 grams (or 2 grams of hashish) is an administrative offense and can bring a fine or up to 15 days in detention.
- Possessing larger amounts is a criminal offense and can lead to prison.

A quick look at the history
- In the late 1800s, hemp was a major crop in parts of the Russian Empire for fiber.
- In the 1930s, big cannabis farms were broken up and the industry declined, then the government later promoted hemp farming again.
- In 1960, the USSR banned unauthorized cultivation of cannabis.
- In modern Russia, cannabis has been treated as a drug issue rather than a farm crop, with penalties tied to the amount and intent of possession.

Changes to possession rules
- In 2004, rules were eased so up to 20 grams could be treated as an administrative offense (not jail time).
- In 2006, the limit was lowered back to 6 grams; up to 6 grams remains an administrative offense, while larger amounts carry criminal penalties.

Notable recent cases
- 2022: American basketball player Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison for cannabis oil; she was released later in a prisoner swap.
- 2022: American Marc Fogel was sentenced to 14 years for cannabis products.
- 2024: A German national was arrested with cannabis-containing gummy bears at a Russian airport; such cases can carry several years in prison even for small amounts.

Takeaway
- Russia enforces strict cannabis laws, with small amounts potentially leading to jail and larger amounts carrying heavier penalties.