Ukraine Moves Closer To Legalizing Medical Cannabis
Days ago Ukraine’s cabinet approved a draft medical cannabis bill, sending it to Parliament for consideration. Compared to other countries in the region, Ukraine has been very slow to reform its medical cannabis policies.
“The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine supported the bill that will regulate the circulation of cannabis plants for medical, industrial purposes, scientific and scientific-technical activities. This bill will expand patients’ access to the necessary treatment for a number of diseases, including cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder.” Ukraine’s Ministry of Health stated in a news release.
“We understand the negative consequences of war on the state of mental health. We understand the number of people who will need medical treatment as a result of this impact. And we understand that there is no time to wait. Therefore, we have already prepared a legislative basis to ensure a full cycle of cannabis-based drug production in Ukraine: from cultivation and processing to full-fledged production.” Minister of Healthcare Viktor Liashko wrote in a Facebook post about the measure.
“At the same time, we still propose to establish strict control over the cultivation, production and implementation of drugs, understanding the sensitivity of this issue in society and are ready to gradually develop this industry, showing the results of treatment and help oh to Ukrainian patients. Not to import, but to do ours, Ukrainian! Historically, cannabis-based drugs have been used to reduce pain, spasms and muscle strains, treat anorexia, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. In addition, they are used in the treatment of individual types of epilepsy, glaucoma, psoriasis, parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis. An important purpose of this medication is to alleviate the pain and suffering of seriously ill and palliative patients, including cancer patients and HIV patients.” Liashko went on to write.
According to the Ukraine Ministry of Health’s news release, the measure would ‘License economic activities for the cultivation of varieties of plants of the genus Cannabis for medical purposes’ as well as ‘authorize the cultivation of varieties of plants of the genus Cannabis for medical, industrial purposes, in scientific and scientific-technical activities.’
The measure now moves to Ukraine’s Parliament for consideration.
