Ukraine Removes Cannabis from the List of Highly Dangerous Drugs

Ukraine recently made a significant change to its cannabis laws, which could have far-reaching impacts on public health, science and the economy. The government’s decision to exclude hemp, cannabis resin, extracts and tinctures from the list of particularly dangerous drugs was announced by Taras Melnychuk, representative of the Council of Ministers in the Verkhovna Rada, via his message on Telegram .

For many years, cannabis was strictly regulated and banned in Ukraine as a particularly dangerous narcotic substance. In 2000, the Ukrainian government introduced regulations that severely restricted the trade and possession of cannabis and related substances. However, growing interest in the medical use of cannabis and progress in scientific research have led to a change in approach to this plant.

Details of the new cannabis legislation in Ukraine

The Government of Ukraine decided to introduce changes to the list of drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, which was approved by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of May 6, 2000 No. 770. According to the new legislation, hemp, hemp resin, hemp extracts and tinctures were removed from the list of particularly dangerous narcotic substances , the trading of which is prohibited. Additionally, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has also been removed from the list of dangerous psychotropic substances.

The new regulations provide that from August 16th, 2024, hemp and its derivatives will be able to be used for educational, scientific and technical purposes, as well as in the production of psychotropic substances and drugs that will be used in medical practice. An important aspect of the new regulations is also the determination that from February 16, 2027, the maximum permissible concentration of THC in industrial hemp may not exceed 0.3%.

How the new changes will benefit patients

One of the most important aspects of the new regulations is improving access to treatment for patients. Hemp and its derivatives have a wide range of medical uses, and their legalization may significantly impact the quality of life of many people suffering from chronic diseases and conditions.

Examples of diseases that can be treated with cannabis include:

• Chronic pain: Cannabis is known for its analgesic properties, which can help patients suffering from various types of pain, including neuropathic and cancer-related pain.
• Epilepsy: CBD , one of the main ingredients of cannabis, has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of epileptic seizures.
• Multiple sclerosis: Cannabis may relieve symptoms such as muscle spasticity and pain.

Industry and future regulations in Ukraine

Changes in regulations may also have a positive impact on the development of the hemp industry in Ukraine. The legalization of hemp opens the door to the development of new industries, including medical, cosmetic and textile production. Ukraine, thanks to its favorable climate and large agricultural areas, may become an important player in the international hemp market.

Future regulations regarding the maximum THC content in industrial hemp will be crucial for the development of this sector. Setting the limit at 0.3% THC ensures that industrial hemp will comply with international standards, which will enable the export of Ukrainian products to foreign markets.

Summary

The decision to exclude cannabis from the list of highly dangerous drugs in Ukraine is a milestone in the regulation of this plant. Legislative changes will benefit both the medical and scientific sectors, opening new opportunities for research and therapy. Moreover, the legalization of cannabis may contribute to the development of the economy, creating new jobs and increasing the country’s export potential. These changes are expected to benefit patients, researchers and Ukrainian society as a whole.

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(Featured image by jorono via Pixabay)

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First published in FaktyKonopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the articles from the originals. In case of discrepancy, the originals will prevail.

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