Russia to Label Works by Mayakovsky and Lenin Under New Drug Law

Book Labeling in Russia

According to Главком: Starting March 1, 2023, amendments to Russia’s 'Law on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances' took effect, introducing criminal and administrative liability for distributing works that mention drugs. As a result, collections by Vladimir Mayakovsky and Vladimir Lenin will now require special labeling. The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has already approved the procedure for marking such publications. This move reflects a broader government effort to regulate cultural content and restrict access to materials deemed to contain prohibited information.

Specific Works

The affected titles include Mayakovsky’s 'War and Language' and Lenin’s 'The Ass’s Bridge.' Under the new rules, every copy must display a warning on its cover. Publishers have already begun mass-labeling books with an 18+ rating or adding appropriate disclaimers, which have also appeared on editions of classics such as:

• Alexander Pushkin
• Anton Chekhov

This step is part of Russia’s broader policy on traditional values in sports and publishing, signaling an intensification of political control and censorship in literature. The labeling requirements could significantly impact the circulation and accessibility of classic works for readers across the country.