Russian Government Expands List of Banned Narcotics

On August 8, 2020, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree expanding the list of prohibited narcotic substances in Russia.

According to the published document, the following substances and plants have been added to the list of banned items:

• Methyl butanoate (MMB-022)
• Banisteriopsis caapi (a plant species)
• Diplopterys cabrerana (a plant species)
• Tabernanthe iboga (iboga plant)
• Psychotria viridis (a plant species)
• Nymphaea caerulea (blue lotus)
• Any type of mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin

The document also defines what constitutes a significant, large, or especially large amount for the circulation of these substances.

Stricter Penalties for Drug-Related Offenses

In July, the State Duma approved in the first reading a bill that increases administrative penalties for advertising narcotics online. Lawmakers propose fines of up to 1.5 million rubles for legal entities, as well as suspension of activities for up to 90 days.

For individuals, fines may range from 5,000 to 30,000 rubles. Foreign nationals may face fines from 4,000 to 30,000 rubles, administrative arrest for up to 15 days, and deportation from Russia.