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Cannabis — ProhibitedEurope

Belarus

Medical cannabis is prohibited in Belarus. Severe criminal penalties may apply for possession, use, or trafficking.

Belarus enforces extremely strict drug laws, with cannabis fully prohibited under its criminal code. The Lukashenko government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward all drug offenses, and even small-quantity possession can result in significant prison time. There is no medical cannabis program, and public advocacy for drug policy reform is effectively suppressed.

Ask the Expert about Belarus
Regulator
Ministry of Internal Affairs; State Security Committee
Key Legislation
Criminal Code of Belarus
Year Legalized
N/A
Program Size
N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

  • Possession of cannabis without intent to distribute carries penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment under Article 328 of the Criminal Code
  • Drug trafficking carries sentences of 5 to 25 years, with aggravated offenses (involving minors or large quantities) at the higher end
  • Belarus is one of the few European countries that retains the death penalty, which can theoretically be applied to aggravated drug trafficking
  • The government actively monitors and prosecutes individuals involved in online drug marketplaces and encrypted communications
  • There is no organized drug reform movement, and any public advocacy for cannabis legalization risks prosecution under Belarus's restrictive civil society laws

Key Legislation

Criminal Code of Belarus (Articles 327-332 on Drug Offenses); Law on Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Precursors and Analogues (2015)

Regulatory Body

Ministry of Internal Affairs; State Security Committee (KGB)

Country Info
ISO Code
BY
Region
Europe
Tier
Tier 4 — Prohibited
Status
Cannabis — Prohibited
Sources
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus
Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis regulations change frequently. Always verify with official sources and local legal counsel before making compliance decisions.