Is Marijuana Legal in Kazakhstan?

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.