The Parliament has approved amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses in its third reading, introducing stricter penalties for marijuana and hemp-related activities.

Under the new regulations, first-time offenses for purchasing, storing, or transporting small quantities—up to 10 grams of cannabis, 5 grams of dried marijuana, or 10 grams of raw marijuana—will result in administrative liability. Repeat offenses may lead to a fine, community service, or imprisonment for up to one year.

Possession of moderate amounts—10 to 155 grams of cannabis, 5 to 70 grams of dried marijuana, or 10 to 150 grams of raw marijuana—will carry a penalty of up to 6 years in prison. Illegal production, manufacturing, shipping, or transportation of these quantities will be punishable by 3 to 7 years of imprisonment.

Possession of larger amounts—155 to 750 grams of cannabis, 70 to 250 grams of dried marijuana, or 140 to 500 grams of raw marijuana—will result in 5 to 8 years of imprisonment, while illegal production or transport will lead to 6 to 9 years.

For exceptionally large quantities—over 750 grams of cannabis, over 250 grams of dried marijuana, or over 500 grams of raw marijuana—possession alone will be punishable by 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment.