Is Weed Legal in Russia?

Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both recreational and medical use. Federal Law No. 3-FZ of 8 January 1998 On Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances places cannabis, cannabis resin, and tetrahydrocannabinol on Schedule I of the national list of controlled substances approved by Government Resolution No. 681 of 30 June 1998. Schedule I substances are prohibited from civilian circulation entirely, with no medical exception in routine practice.

Criminal Code Article 228 governs personal possession without intent to distribute. Possession of a significant quantity — 6 grams or more of herbal cannabis, or 2 grams or more of hashish — triggers criminal liability of up to 3 years' imprisonment. A large amount (100g cannabis, 25g hashish) carries 3 to 10 years. An especially large amount (100kg cannabis or 10kg hashish under Government Resolution No. 1002 of 1 October 2012) carries 10 to 15 years. Sub-threshold possession falls under Administrative Offences Code Article 6.8, drawing fines of 4,000-5,000 rubles or up to 15 days arrest. Article 231 criminalizes illicit cultivation, with penalties scaling to 8 years for large-scale grows. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) handles enforcement.

Foreign nationals caught with cannabis face the same Criminal Code provisions plus near-certain deportation and re-entry bans. High-profile prosecutions in 2022 demonstrated that even trace residues in vape cartridges can trigger Article 228 charges. There is no decriminalization pathway and no medical cannabis program.

Last reviewed: August 6, 2026.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.