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Duma Likens GMO Crops to Growing Cannabis

posted by janrinok on Saturday March 01 2014, @02:00AM   
from the If-you-can't-beat-them-ban-them dept.

c0lo writes:

"Russian legislators are asking the government to impose a temporary ban on all genetically-altered products in Russia, while the Agriculture Ministry suggests the punishment for illegal GMO production be equated to that of growing cannabis.

While the State Duma's Agriculture Committee posed as worried about the control over the GMO effects on humans and the natural environment, the deputy Agriculture Minister Aleksandr Petrikov seems to focus more on economic risks. Russia cannot compete with foreign producers when it comes to costs, but still can position itself as a producer of high-quality, GMO-free agricultural goods.

However, the deputy head of Russia's state consumer rights watchdog, Gennady Ivanov, reminded MPs that since Russia joined the WTO in 2012, trade restrictions can be imposed only after the hazardous effects of the banned goods are scientifically proven. In early February, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev told a government session that Russia will create its own research base for genetically modified organisms that would provide the authorities with expert information and allow for further legislative movements and executive decisions."

• Cultivation of Psychotropic Plants Cultivation of Psychotropic Plants (Score: 5, Interesting) by Geotti on Saturday March 01 2014, @02:35AM

  by Geotti (1146) on Saturday March 01 2014, @02:35AM (#8937) Journal

  According to here [google.com], Russian legislation criminally punishes the growing of plants containing (precursors to/of) psychotropic substances.

  Even though I applaud them taking a (hopefully eternal) stance against Monsanto & Co. additional legislation will have to be adjusted accordingly, as the following paragraph forms an exception on the amount you grow:

  The bottom line is that according to this statute criminalizes the cultivation of narcotic plants (in particular, for the cultivation of cannabis) begins with the identification of the amount - 20 bushes. If you have a smaller amount seized, you will only brought to administrative responsibility. And here there is a penalty of 1.5 to 4 thousand rubles, or arrest up to 15 days. (Google translate)

  So around 100 USD max or 15 days arrest? Seeing as it's quite difficult to arrest a corporation, and it is just an administrative offense, the 100 bucks remain (if done right).

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• Re:Cultivation of Psychotropic Plants (Score: 2) by frojack on Saturday March 01 2014, @03:10AM

  by frojack (1554) on Saturday March 01 2014, @03:10AM (#8944) Journal

  Well, they really don't have an issue with people growing GMO crops in Russia.

  the Agriculture Ministry suggests the punishment for illegal GMO production be equated to that of growing cannabis.

  Any guy can smuggle in a few pot seeds.
  But its pretty hard to smuggle in enough Monsanto seed to make a difference. You need truck loads of seed.

  So its pretty much a non-issue.

  --
  No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.

  Parent