Did you know Azerbaijan’s third-biggest city, Ganja, has the same name as a word for cannabis? Still, Azerbaijan has some of the toughest cannabis laws in the world.
In 2021, authorities destroyed 760 hemp bushes in a single operation, and possession of over 1,000 grams can land you in prison for 12 years.
Is Cannabis Legal in Azerbaijan? Current Legal Status(2025)
No, cannabis is not legal in Azerbaijan for recreational, medical, or industrial use. The country enforces strict drug laws under its Criminal Code, classifying cannabis as a controlled substance. Possession, use, cultivation, or trafficking of cannabis can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited. Possession of any amount is illegal, though under 10 grams may lead to fines or family-supervised rehab instead of jail. Public consumption or repeat offenses can escalate penalties. Contrast this with Malta, where regulated cannabis clubs operate legally.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is not legal, despite its medieval roots. Researchers like Farid Alakbarov documented cannabis treatments for tumors and hysteria in ancient texts, but modern Azerbaijan bans all therapeutic use. This contrasts sharply with Thailand, which legalized medical marijuana in 2022.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (THC <0.3%) is illegal. Azerbaijan’s laws make no distinction between hemp and psychoactive cannabis. Meanwhile, Morocco and Ukraine have thriving hemp industries for textiles and CBD.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Azerbaijan
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis use persists underground, driven by youth in cities like Baku. Dealers operate discreetly, often through trusted networks or online platforms. Despite strict laws, Azerbaijan seized 100 kg of cannabis in 2021, reflecting a resilient black market.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Possession of small amounts may lead to forced rehab, but Azerbaijan lacks public health programs for addiction. Critics argue this punitive approach worsens stigma, unlike Portugal’s decriminalization model, which prioritizes treatment.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Illegal cultivation exists in southern regions, but legal barriers block economic potential. For comparison, South Africa’s legal hemp market added $1.7 billion to its economy in 2024.
Cannabis Cultivation in Azerbaijan
Growing cannabis is illegal without state approval in Azerbaijan. Most illicit farms are in the south, though a 2011 report noted limited production. Authorities destroyed 760 plants in the 2021 “Khash-Khash” operation, showing zero tolerance.
Cannabis Law in Azerbaijan and Control
1. How Azerbaijan Enforces Cannabis Laws
Police prioritize traffickers, but even minor possession risks fines or rehab referrals. First-time offenders with under 10 grams face fines of up to $1,200 or community service. Border controls are strict to block imports from neighboring Georgia, where cannabis is decriminalized.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Azerbaijan’s black market thrives despite crackdowns. In 2023, 40% of drug seizures involved cannabis. Traffickers exploit the country’s location between Europe and Asia, mirroring routes used in Iran and Afghanistan.
Cannabis Penalties in Azerbaijan
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Fines or rehab (no jail) under 10 grams, and up to 3 3 years prison for 10-1,000 grams. |
| Trafficking | About 5–12 years. |
| Growing | Cultivation is treated like trafficking, with 3–8 years in prison. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Azerbaijan
Legalization is unlikely before 2030. The government cites proximity to drug-producing nations like Afghanistan and public opposition. However, global shifts—such as Germany’s 2024 legalization—could spark debate. Economic potential (e.g., hemp exports) might eventually sway policymakers, but for now, Azerbaijan remains a prohibition stronghold.
Final Thoughts
Azerbaijan’s cannabis laws are among the world’s strictest, blending Soviet-era policies with modern anti-trafficking efforts.
While the country’s medieval past celebrated cannabis as medicine, today’s laws offer no leniency. Visitors should avoid all cannabis products—even CBD—and stay informed about regional laws in places like Georgia or Turkey.
Curious how Azerbaijan compares to France, Malta, or Thailand? Check our country guides for more insights.
