First Cannabis Grower Becomes Candidate for Russian State Duma

Andrey Pangaev has become the first cannabis grower to participate in parliamentary elections in Russia. He has put himself forward as a candidate for the State Duma from the Green Party.

Pangaev to Advocate for Medical Cannabis Legalization

Andrey is the CEO of LLC “SL Pharma,” a company that cultivates medicinal plants such as quince, barberry, and actinidia. Recently, the company launched a pilot project to grow industrial cannabis indoors, aiming to develop optimal cultivation technology and sell it to foreign organizations. Notably, LLC “SL Pharma” is the first and only Russian commercial enterprise growing cannabis indoors.

On August 26, Pangaev published the first part of his campaign platform. He promises to promote the legalization of medical cannabis in Russia if elected to the State Duma. According to Andrey, CBD is successfully used to treat various diseases in many countries worldwide, does not cause intoxication, and is safe for health. Given the high therapeutic potential of cannabis, Pangaev calls for lifting the ban on medicinal strains, which he believes was enacted “to serve the imperialist interests of the West.”

Pangaev is running in Moscow’s Khovrino single-mandate electoral district No. 207, competing against 12 other candidates. His campaign team began their outreach on August 26, setting up an information stand near Voykovskaya metro station and distributing flyers.

Production of CBD Oil Begins in Russia

In mid-August, the company “NPO Biotech Alliance,” headed by Pangaev, released a trial batch of CBD oil made from industrial cannabis varieties. Andrey reported that the company has applied for certification of CBD products and is already accepting pre-orders.

Pangaev shared his experience after a three-month course of using CBD oil, noting that the cannabinoid:

• has a calming effect;
• eases hangovers when taken before and after consuming alcohol;
• helps with weight loss.

The legality of CBD in Russia remains uncertain. The Ministry of Internal Affairs claims that CBD is not on the list of banned substances, but the Ministry of Health suggests treating it as a THC isomer. In that case, CBD would be considered a narcotic, since only THC isomers and derivatives are included in the list. In February 2021, Moscow City Duma deputy Besedina wrote to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin requesting clarification on the legal status of CBD. However, the Prime Minister has yet to respond.