Is cannabis legal for medical or recreational use in Russia?

No. Russian federal law prohibits recreational use and does not operate a national medical cannabis program.

What determines whether a case is administrative or criminal?

Thresholds and circumstances determine liability. The official thresholds are set by Government Decree No. 1002 for Criminal Code Articles 228/228.1. Always check the decree’s current text on the official portal.

Are there restrictions on online content related to cannabis?

Yes. Laws aimed at counteracting ‘drug propaganda’ apply online; authorities enforce takedowns/blocks. Exercise caution and verify current rules.

Russia: Cannabis Laws (National Overview)

Last updated: October 14, 2025

Legal notice: This page is informational only and not legal advice. Russian law is strict and frequently updated. Always verify on the official legal portals linked below and follow the strictest rule that applies to you. See our Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty and Terms of Use.

National Status (Federal)

Recreational use: Illegal under federal law.
Medical cannabis: No national medical cannabis program is in force.
Key statutes:
- Federal Law No. 3-FZ “On Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances” defines the national control regime. (Official links below.)
- Criminal Code Articles 228 & 228.1 govern illegal possession, production, sale, and trafficking. (Official links below.)
- Government Decree No. 1002 (2012, as amended) sets “significant,” “large,” and “especially large” amounts for narcotic drugs and plants for Criminal Code Articles 228/228.1/229/229.1. Consult the official text for current thresholds.

Administrative vs. Criminal Liability (Orientation)

Administrative offences may apply at lower quantities (e.g., possession without intent to distribute) under the Code of Administrative Offences.
Criminal offences (Criminal Code arts. 228/228.1) apply at or above threshold amounts and for activities such as making, sale, shipment, or trafficking, with penalties that can include multi-year imprisonment.
[Inference] Threshold numbers are defined in Gov. Decree No. 1002 and may be amended; do not rely on secondary summaries—check the official decree text referenced below.

Online Content & “Drug Propaganda” Restrictions

Federal legislation targets “propaganda” of narcotic drugs and plants (including online). Recent measures expand restrictions and enforcement tools. (See official Kremlin act summary below.)
Roskomnadzor and other agencies actively block or remove online content deemed to violate these rules. This has included actions related to drug-related materials.

Practical Safety Notes

Do not bring cannabis into, out of, or within the Russian Federation—including vape cartridges, edibles, and extracts.
Do not rely on a foreign medical authorization.
Exercise caution with online posts or messaging that could be interpreted as unlawful “propaganda” or facilitation.

Verify on Official Sources (Primary Law)

Federal Law No. 3-FZ (1998) — “On Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.” See official/primary materials below.
Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — arts. 228, 228.1, related provisions.
Government Decree No. 1002 (Oct 1, 2012; as amended 2017–2025) — establishes significant/large/especially large amounts for narcotic drugs and plants containing them.

Cannabis Laws in Russia (National Overview with Official Links)