Kazakh man fails to legalize marijuana in high court

A Kazakhstani citizen, Timur Kalin, has appealed to the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan seeking permission to use marijuana at home, arguing that it is a private matter. The court declined to consider his claim.

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The case began after Kalin was fined and placed under medical supervision for cannabis use. He disputed the penalty and said he would challenge it publicly.

The man argued that he had not used marijuana in a public place, had not disturbed others, was not driving and was not under the influence at the time of his detention.

Argument based on right to privacy

Kalin maintained that the Constitution guarantees the right to privacy and that actions carried out at home without harming others should not be subject to punishment.

He ultimately sought to challenge the criminalization of marijuana possession for personal use.

Court declines to review

The Constitutional Court rejected the appeal, stating that the applicant was effectively seeking a review of existing legal decisions, which falls outside its jurisdiction.

Issue reaches court for first time

Despite the rejection, the case marks the first time the issue of personal marijuana use has been brought before Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court.

Kalin said he intends to file a new appeal, emphasizing that his goal is not to contest the fine but to challenge the law itself.