Russia Criticizes US Cannabis Legalization
Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, has condemned the legalization of recreational cannabis in the United States, stating that it contradicts the provisions of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
Cannabis Law Reform Gains Momentum
According to Ulyanov, despite the ongoing federal ban on cannabis in the US, recreational marijuana has already been legalized in 19 states. Furthermore, this year, six more states may legalize the plant through public referendums. If this happens, 25 out of 51 US regions will have lifted the ban on marijuana.
Ulyanov noted that the liberalization of cannabis laws is becoming “widespread.” An increasing number of countries are looking to follow the examples of Uruguay and Canada by legalizing the plant. The Russian government is concerned about this trend, believing that changes in drug policy in individual countries will reduce the effectiveness of global efforts to combat marijuana trafficking. At the same time, Ulyanov clarified that he has no objections to medical cannabis, as the Single Convention does not prohibit its use for medical purposes. Therefore, in theory, medical cannabis could be legalized in Russia.
Russia Maintains Strict Stance Against Cannabis
Russia is considered one of the main opponents of cannabis legalization on the international stage. In 2020, Russian diplomats joined forces with representatives from several countries, including China, Pakistan, and Egypt, to prevent the removal of hashish and marijuana from the list of narcotics under the Single Convention. They achieved partial success: while most UN members voted to remove cannabis from Schedule IV (which includes the most dangerous controlled substances), cannabis remained in Schedule I because it contains the prohibited substance THC.
Last year, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs harshly criticized Malta’s decision to legalize the use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis. Russian officials stated that the island nation violated international law and created a “dangerous precedent that undermines security in Europe and encourages drug abuse.”
Russia’s domestic policy on marijuana is consistent with its international stance. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Zubov dismissed the idea that the government plans to ease penalties for cannabis and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy toward drugs. According to him, banned psychoactive substances will never be permitted in Russia.