NEWS: Medical Cannabis Set to Launch in Ukraine in Early 2025

KYIV- After Ukraine legalized cannabis for medical use earlier this year, a key lawmaker announced that the first cannabis-based medicines could be available as early as next month.

Olga Stefanishyna, a member of Ukraine’s parliament and the Committee on Public Health, Medical Assistance, and Medical Insurance, stated during a press conference in Kyiv, “Everything is in place for patients to receive cannabis products today, except for the cannabis itself. The medicines just need to be registered in Ukraine.”

She added, “The first medicinal product registration is already underway, and we’re optimistic that in January we will be able to prescribe genuine cannabis-based medicines.”

This announcement follows President Volodymyr Zelensky’s signing of the cannabis legislation into law in February, which officially went into effect over the summer. However, no products have been released yet as the necessary infrastructure is still being established.

The Ministry of Health clarified in August that cannabis, along with its extracts and tinctures, is no longer categorized as a particularly dangerous substance, with some restrictions. Licensing regulations for cannabis cultivation are in development and will soon be considered by the Cabinet of Ministers. The full distribution chain, from cultivation to patient dispensing, will be subject to licensing controls.

The law allows medical cannabis access for patients suffering from severe conditions, including cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linked to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Initially, qualifying conditions were limited, but lawmakers are now considering expanding access to include conditions like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy, responding to patient demand.

Ukrainian People in traditional clothing.

The cannabis legislation faced opposition, including procedural attempts to block it, but was ultimately passed with 248 votes in favor. The Agrarian Policy Ministry will oversee cannabis cultivation, while the National Police and State Agency on Medicines will handle enforcement for distribution.

Stefanishyna explained that the initial supply of cannabis medicines will come from foreign manufacturers who meet Ukraine’s quality standards. Domestic cultivation of medical cannabis is expected to begin later. She also mentioned that efforts are underway to expand qualifying conditions to match those in countries like Germany, ensuring broader access for patients who need these treatments.

In mid-2023, Zelensky expressed strong support for medical cannabis, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to apply global best practices to alleviate the suffering caused by the war. During his presidential campaign in 2019, he advocated for legalizing cannabis-based medicines, referring to them as a vital solution for those in need.

This policy shift sets Ukraine apart from its adversary, Russia, which has been a vocal opponent of cannabis reform on the international stage. The contrast between the two nations highlights Ukraine’s progressive approach to medical cannabis.

Globally, the push for reform continues to gain momentum. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recently called for a move away from punitive drug policies, declaring that the global war on drugs has failed and calling for more effective solutions to address drug-related crime and public health challenges.

All rights reserved. Copyright © 2024 Highly Capitalized Network. The information is sourced from Ukrainian news outlets (Odessa Journal, Ukrainian National News), official statements by Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, and comments from Olga Stefanishyna and President Zelensky. Legislative details, opposition tactics, and statements from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights are also included, as covered by global human rights organizations.