Whether or not weed is legal in Russia is a very controversial issue. While there is no law against weed, the police are extremely strict about it. In fact, if you are caught with it, you could be facing a number of penalties. You might even be required to pay a bribe.
Medical Cannabis Remains Inaccessible
Despite a long and storied history, medical cannabis remains inaccessible in Russia. The country has a vested interest in not allowing such treatment. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of cancer patients and palliative patients who suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy, over twenty thousand children and dozens of thousands of war veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder are also unable to access the treatment they need.
The legal and regulatory structure of the former Soviet Union has made it difficult for patients to gain access to such treatment. This is especially true in Ukraine where over two million people do not receive effective pharmaceutical care.
It is not surprising, then, that the Russian government has been extremely hostile to cannabis use. Polls show that up to 90% of Russians oppose its legalization.
Opioid Use is a Major Issue in Russia
Despite the fact that opioid misuse has reached a crisis level in Russia, the situation is not ideal. Traditionally, alcoholism has been a problem in Russia, and more recently, drug use has become a major issue.
The number of people with drug dependence is growing. According to the Global Fund, more than 1 in 20 people in several Eastern European countries are dependent. It costs the economy tens of billions of dollars each year. And opioids are a serious threat to national security.
In Russia, the treatment of opioid addiction focuses on detoxification and short-term inpatient programs. The success rate of the Russian approach is lower than in the United States. In some cases, success rates are less than 10 percent.
The Russian Federal Drug Control Service has a wide reach into both clinics and hospitals. However, its efforts to divert users to medical services have been hampered by police efforts to counter “incitement of drug use.”
A recent article by Nadezhda Osipova, a clinical psychologist at the Center for Practical and Research Narcology in southeast Moscow, describes the situation. She claims that people who inject drugs are vulnerable to fatal overdoses and to HIV infection. Moreover, injection drug users are likely to have tuberculosis and/or hepatitis C.
Bribes For Possession of Weed
Getting caught with weed in Russia can be a risky endeavor. A person can face serious penalties for this offence. The penalties range from a large fine to a jail sentence. It’s important to note that the Russian government is still very anti-cannabis.
In recent years, several Americans have been incarcerated in Russia. Marc Fogel, for example, was convicted of narco-trafficking and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. His lawyers said that he was only carrying marijuana for medical purposes.
A recent survey of over 1,600 people by telephone showed that only eight percent of respondents were in favor of legalizing soft drugs. The acquittal rate for cannabis offenders is less than one percent.
The law in Russia prohibits the distribution of narcotics, as well as narco-propaganda. It’s estimated that there are over 7.3 million users of cannabis in the country.
Russian Police Are Stricter About Narcotics
Throughout the post-Soviet period, the Russian police have struggled to establish their legitimacy. They have been called corrupt, lazy, and predatory.
Women in Russia face a particular set of vulnerabilities and are disproportionately impacted by drug policy enforcement. Their situation has been documented and examined in a number of studies.
According to the government, there are 5.1 million opioid abusers in the country. However, the International Narcotics Control Board estimates that there are 1.6 to 1.8 million opioid abusers in Russia.
Cannabis is illegal in Russia, and possession is punishable by a fine. Offenders can be locked up for up to four to eight years. Selling large quantities is punishable by up to 500,000 roubles.
In 2016, Viktor Ivanov, former head of the Federal Drug Control Service, estimated that the narcotics industry in Russia generated 1.5 trillion roubles. But he opposes methadone as a drug. He believes that the state system does not adequately help addicts.
Penalties For Possession of Weed
Getting caught with weed in Russia is not something to be taken lightly. The penalties for possession of weed in Russia can range from a simple fine to life in prison. However, while Russian laws do not seem to favor cannabis, it is unlikely that they will change anytime soon.
Although it is illegal to possess cannabis in the country, there are a few exceptions. One is that medicinal marijuana can be brought into the country with a prescription. Another is that cannabis can be smuggled in luggage.
The laws around medical marijuana are still being worked out in Russia. However, if you’re looking to get your hands on a few ounces of cannabis for a medical reason, you might want to avoid traveling to the country.
