Medical Cannabis Is Now Legal in Ukraine: New Law Comes Into Force Today

August 16th, 2024 will be remembered in Ukrainian history as the day when the law legalizing medical cannabis came into force.

This long-awaited step, the result of intensive legislative work and numerous social debates, opens a new chapter in the Ukrainian healthcare system. Legalization of cannabis for medical, industrial and research purposes is expected not only to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from various diseases, but also to affect the economy and science in Ukraine.

Scope of the new act in Ukraine

The new law clearly defines what exactly has been legalized. From now on, doctors in Ukraine can prescribe cannabis-based medicines to patients, such as dried cannabis, its resin, extracts, and tinctures. These medicines will be available only on the basis of an electronic prescription, which provides an additional level of control and security. Medical cannabis is to be used primarily in the treatment of chronic pain and diseases related to the nervous system, where traditional therapeutic methods are insufficient.

At the same time, it should be emphasized that the law does not cover recreational use of cannabis. Cultivation, distribution and consumption of cannabis outside the medical context remain strictly prohibited in Ukraine. Such a clear division is intended to avoid abuse and ensure that legalization will only benefit those who really need this form of therapy.

Control and regulation system in Ukraine

Legalization of medical cannabis in Ukraine has been introduced with a full set of control measures to ensure that the entire process – from cultivation, through production, to distribution – is carried out in accordance with the strictest safety and quality standards. Each stage of production will be supervised by the state, and all companies involved in production will have to obtain appropriate licenses and quality certificates.

Medical cannabis production will be controlled from the start. Each cannabis plant will be marked with an individual code that will allow it to be tracked throughout its life cycle – from sowing, through cultivation, to processing and distribution. Cultivation is required to take place in closed rooms under constant video surveillance, which will also be accessible to the police.

The role of the state and supervisory authorities

The process of introducing the new law involves various ministries and government agencies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agricultural Policy, the State Medical Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Police. Together, they have developed a series of implementing acts that regulate in detail every aspect of the circulation of medical cannabis, ensuring full transparency and control.

The electronic monitoring system, which will go live this fall, will record every cannabis operation, from seed production to cultivation to final sale at the dispensary. The system is designed to prevent abuse and ensure that every plant and final product is strictly controlled.

The process of patients receiving medication

Patients who need cannabis-based medications will need to obtain an electronic prescription from their doctor. The prescription will clearly state the form of the medication, the dosage, and the active ingredients in the product. It is expected that medical cannabis medications will be available in a variety of forms, including dried herb, oral drops, and capsules, allowing for therapy to be tailored to individual patient needs.

The new regulations are expected to provide relief to those for whom traditional treatments have proven insufficient or have caused unwanted side effects. However, to receive such a drug, a patient will have to meet certain medical criteria and obtain approval from a doctor.

The future and challenges

The introduction of medical cannabis legalization brings with it many challenges. First and foremost, it will be necessary to ensure that the entire process is transparent and free from corruption. Quality control and monitoring of production and distribution will be key to ensuring patients have access to safe and effective medicines.

Legalization of medical cannabis in Ukraine is a step that could radically change the medical landscape of the country. The new regulations offer hope to thousands of patients suffering from diseases that were previously difficult to treat.

Thanks to strict control and modern technological solutions, Ukraine has the chance to become an example of a responsible and effective approach to legalizing medical cannabis. In the face of global changes and growing awareness of the therapeutic potential of cannabis, this step could open up new opportunities for both patients and the entire healthcare sector in the country.

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(Featured image by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash)

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First published in Fakty Konopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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