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Russia

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A draft law recently adopted by the Russian State Duma (lower house of the parliament), though not yet approved by the Federation Council (upper house of the parliament) or signed by the President would amend existing law to allow the cultivation of certain plants that contain narcotic and psychedelic substances. Significantly, the bill would not decriminalize recreational use, nor would it permit the development of private dispensaries. It also contains certain restrictions and limitations: First, cultivation would be permitted only for certain specified purposes: medical and veterinary use and /or industrial needs not related to the production of narcotic and psychedelic substances, such as, according to an explanatory note submitted to the Duma, production of various oils for the edibles industry. Second, cultivation for medical use will be permitted only for licensed state-owned enterprises. Cultivation of opium for industrial needs not related to the production of narcotic and psychedelic substances will also only be permitted for licensed state enterprises. Cultivation of…