Is Cannabis / THC legal in Armenia?

Legal status

Cannabis controlled under the NEW Criminal Code (Arts 393/394; pre-2022 numbers obsolete) — trafficking/circulation scales by quantity (~5–15 years) to LIFE for aggravated forms; possession without intent a lower tier (~1–3 years); NO clean personal-use decriminalization; cannabis grows wild but no legal regime asserted; no death penalty (abolished 2003)

Consequences if caught

Cannabis is controlled in Armenia under the NEW Criminal Code (Arts 393/394; pre-2022 article numbers obsolete). Although cannabis grows wild and most users use cannabis or hashish, no legal cannabis regime is asserted. In Armenia (Council of Europe member; death penalty abolished 2003), drug offences fall under the NEW Criminal Code adopted on 15 June 2022 and in force since 1 July 2022 — pre-2022 article numbers are obsolete. Arts 393 and 394 cover illicit trafficking and circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors (sale and production), and Art 402 is a separate drug-circulation offence. Trafficking scales by quantity (roughly 5–15 years), rising to life imprisonment for the gravest aggravated, organized, online or minor-involving forms. The 2024–25 amendments toughened these: committing the act through information or communication technologies (online sale) is an aggravating circumstance (Part 2 of Arts 393/394/402), and committing it with the participation of a minor is particularly aggravating (Part 3 of Arts 393/394). Possession without intent to distribute is a lower criminal tier (about 1–3 years for minor possession); Armenia does NOT have clean statutory personal-use decriminalization — use and possession remain criminal at a lower tier (the 2003 reform cut user sentences but raised fines).

If prescribed or medical

Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.

Documentation

In Armenia (Council of Europe member; death penalty abolished 2003), drug offences fall under the NEW Criminal Code adopted on 15 June 2022 and in force since 1 July 2022 — pre-2022 article numbers are obsolete. Arts 393 and 394 cover illicit trafficking and circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors (sale and production), and Art 402 is a separate drug-circulation offence. Trafficking scales by quantity (roughly 5–15 years), rising to life imprisonment for the gravest aggravated, organized, online or minor-involving forms. The 2024–25 amendments toughened these: committing the act through information or communication technologies (online sale) is an aggravating circumstance (Part 2 of Arts 393/394/402), and committing it with the participation of a minor is particularly aggravating (Part 3 of Arts 393/394). Possession without intent to distribute is a lower criminal tier (about 1–3 years for minor possession); Armenia does NOT have clean statutory personal-use decriminalization — use and possession remain criminal at a lower tier (the 2003 reform cut user sentences but raised fines). Cannabis is controlled under the same Arts 393/394 framework; although cannabis grows wild and most users use cannabis or hashish, no legal cannabis regime is asserted. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Armenia’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.