In our Regulatory Snapshot, when we say a country treats Medicinal Cannabis as restricted, it means that products like cannabidiol (CBD) oils are only allowed under formal medicine registration rules. This does not exclude other interpretations, where the same CBD oil may be seen as a herbal medicine, supplement, or even a superfood. In many countries, this remains a “grey area” — a space where entrepreneurs must actively engage and help shape the path forward.
What you'll learn
Table of contents
Kazakhstan Introduction
Kazakhstan has one of the largest natural wild cannabis/hemp growth regions in the world (the Chuy Valley), but the state enforces strict prohibition of cannabis use. Industrial hemp cultivation is permitted under license, mainly for fiber and seeds, but CBD and medical cannabis are not allowed. Functional mushrooms and adaptogens are legal, while herbal medicine traditions remain strong. Wellness cafés can leverage tea culture, herbal products, and adaptogens, avoiding cannabis branding.
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Cannabis & Wellness Regulation Overview
Recreational Cannabis (Adult Use)
Status: Illegal.
- Possession and use criminalized.
- Trafficking leads to long prison sentences.
- Kazakhstan has historically cracked down on cannabis to reduce illicit exports.
Medical Cannabis
Status: Prohibited.
- No framework for patient access.
- Cannabis-based pharmaceuticals not authorized.
Hemp & Industrial Definition
Status: Permitted under license.
- Industrial hemp cultivation legal with state license.
- Primarily used for fiber, seed oil, and textiles.
- Extracts (CBD, cannabinoids) prohibited.
CBD Oils and Products
Status: Prohibited.
- CBD treated as a narcotic substance.
- No imports or domestic retail permitted.
Cosmetics & Artisanal Production
Status: Allowed (non-cannabis).
- Kazakhstan produces herbal, rose oil, and traditional cosmetics.
- Hemp/CBD cosmetics not allowed.
Functional Mushrooms & Adaptogens
Status: Allowed.
- Functional mushrooms (Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps) permitted.
- Adaptogens like rhodiola (native to Central Asia), ginseng, maca allowed.
- Regulated under Ministry of Health supplement rules.
Psilocybin / Psychedelics
Status: Strictly prohibited.
- Controlled as narcotics.
- No exceptions for medical or research purposes.
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Operating Guidance (Hemp Vegan)
Wellness-Driven Coffee & Retail
- Focus on tea, coffee, mushrooms, adaptogens, herbal cosmetics.
- Highlight rhodiola, rose oil, and traditional Kazakh herbs.
- Position cafés in Almaty (cosmopolitan hub) and Astana (political/economic capital).
Clinical Tools & AI
- Cannabis integration not possible.
- AI can support nutrition, adaptogen guidance, and herbal wellness protocols.
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Marketing, Claims & Compliance
Advertising & Claims
- Cannabis/CBD prohibited.
- Mushrooms/adaptogens: wellness claims permitted.
- Therapeutic claims require Ministry of Health approval.
Packaging & Labeling
- Labels must be in Kazakh and/or Russian.
- Supplements must declare dosage, batch, distributor.
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Taxes, Import & Duties
- VAT: 12%.
- Cannabis/hemp/CBD: prohibited (except industrial hemp fiber/seeds under license).
- Mushrooms/adaptogens: imports and exports permitted.
- Cosmetics: strong market for herbal and natural products.
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Risks & Practical Notes
- Cannabis: prohibited.
- Medical cannabis: prohibited.
- Hemp: licensed for industrial use only.
- CBD: prohibited.
- Psilocybin: prohibited.
- Opportunities: tea/herbal culture, functional mushrooms, adaptogens, artisanal cosmetics.
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FAQ (Hemp Vegan)
How Hemp Vegan supports operations in Kazakhstan
We help partners develop non-cannabis wellness cafés, focusing on tea, mushrooms, adaptogens, and herbal cosmetics.
Payroll & local operations
Employer contributions ~20–22%. Hemp Vegan provides HR compliance kits adapted to Kazakhstani law.
Creators vs. Employees
Retail staff must be hired locally; remote collaborators may join as contractors.
Ongoing support
We monitor Kazakhstan Ministry of Health and agricultural licensing for industrial hemp.
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Sources & Review Log
_Last reviewed_: 2025-08-23
