Kazakhstan
Is Weed Legal in Kazakhstan?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Kazakhstan. The Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Articles 296-299) and the Code of Administrative Offenses criminalize possession, cultivation, sale, and trafficking of cannabis.
Possession of less than 5 grams of dried cannabis or 0.4 grams of hashish triggers administrative fines of KZT 50,000-100,000 (about USD 110-220). Above those thresholds, criminal prosecution kicks in with sentences from 3 to 10 years; trafficking carries 10 to 15 years and asset forfeiture. The Anti-Drug Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs enforces. The Chuy Valley region — straddling southern Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan — produces some of the world's largest wild cannabis stands, drawing periodic eradication campaigns. Almaty International and Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airports screen with K-9 units. Russia–Kazakhstan land crossings such as Petukhovo and Mashtakovo are screened jointly under EAEU customs rules.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Key facts ·
Kazakhstan
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited
Regulator
Ministry of Internal Affairs Anti-Drug Service; Border Service of the National Security Committee
Key regulation
Criminal Code Arts. 296-299; Code of Administrative Offenses
Effective
July 3, 2014
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Cannabis import and export are prohibited. The State Revenue Committee and Border Service screen at airports and land crossings; EAEU customs cooperation applies to Russian and Belarusian frontiers.
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