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Is Marijuana Legal in Kazakhstan?

Flag of Kazakhstan with marijuana in front.

Article written by

Dipak HemrajHead of Research and Education

Table of contents

  1. Medical Marijuana Laws in Kazakhstan
  2. Can You Grow Cannabis In Kazakhstan?
  3. The Bottom Line

Marijuana is illegal in Kazakhstan. Possessing, using, cultivating, selling, or distributing cannabis in any form is against the law. However, as Kazakhstan is in Central Asia, cannabis grows naturally in the wild.

The 2006 World Drug Report estimated that 400,000 hectares of cannabis grow wild in the Chui Valley. According to Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, 93% of the nation’s marijuana comes from Kazakhstan, suggesting that there is plenty of black market activity in the country.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Kazakhstan

As cannabis is illegal in Kazakhstan, there are no medical marijuana laws in the country. Penalties for cannabis use and possession are stiff, attracting between seven and 14 years imprisonment.

Those caught cultivating or selling cannabis may face harsher penalties — between 16 years and life imprisonment.

However, the government announced that a hemp-processing plant would be built north of Chuy Valley in the Jambul region. Wild cannabis may be processed, too, with some potentially being marked for medical purposes.

Some officials have also suggested that Kazakhstan change its attitude towards cannabis, especially as the plant grows in the wild in the country.

Can You Grow Cannabis In Kazakhstan?

It is illegal to grow cannabis in Kazakhstan, and doing so may attract severe punishment and fines.

The Bottom Line

While cannabis grows in the wild in this Central Asian country, it is illegal to use, possess, cultivate, sell, or distribute cannabis in Kazakhstan. Penalties for breaking Kazakhstan’s cannabis laws include fines and jail time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hemp Legal in Kazakhstan?

KazHemp — which is the first company in Kazakhstan to engage in sowing and harvesting hemp and developing CBD oil distillates and other products — is licensed to grow hemp. However, hemp is illegal to grow without a license in Kazakhstan.

Is CBD legal in Kazakhstan?

The laws regarding CBD products in Kazakhstan are not clear. It is often suggested that the Kazakh government does not differentiate between CBD and psychoactive cannabis. Still, some other sources suggest that CBD oils containing less than 0.3% THC are available to purchase in some pharmacies (as seen here). This suggests that some form of CBD may be available to purchase in Kazakhstan, but it is likely to be only products approved by officials that are likely to be legal. CBD from overseas markets, however, is illegal.