Is Cannabis / THC legal in Azerbaijan?

Legal status

Cannabis controlled under the Criminal Code (in force 1 September 2000) — acquisition/possession without intent to sell the lower tier (Art. 234); cultivation (Art. 237) and manufacture/sale/trafficking (Art. 235) escalate with quantity and aggravating factors (tightened by 2022 amendments); no legal recreational or medical regime; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment

Consequences if caught

Cannabis is controlled in Azerbaijan under the Criminal Code (adopted 30 December 1999, in force 1 September 2000), with no legal recreational regime. In Azerbaijan, drugs fall under the Criminal Code (adopted 30 December 1999, in force 1 September 2000). Illegal acquisition and possession of narcotic or psychotropic substances without intent to sell is the lower tier (Art. 234), while illegal manufacture, production, sale and trafficking (Art. 235), cultivation (Art. 237) and related conduct (Art. 240) escalate with quantity and aggravating factors, the Code's punishment ceiling being life imprisonment. Penalties were tightened by 2022 amendments to Articles 235, 237 and 240.

If prescribed or medical

Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.

Documentation

In Azerbaijan, drugs fall under the Criminal Code (adopted 30 December 1999, in force 1 September 2000). Illegal acquisition and possession of narcotic or psychotropic substances without intent to sell is the lower tier (Art. 234), while illegal manufacture, production, sale and trafficking (Art. 235), cultivation (Art. 237) and related conduct (Art. 240) escalate with quantity and aggravating factors, the Code's punishment ceiling being life imprisonment. Penalties were tightened by 2022 amendments to Articles 235, 237 and 240. Cannabis is controlled under the same Criminal Code framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. 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 Azerbaijan’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.