“They (the European Union) are very happy about our progress in this area. They say – show the consumers, because they have warehouses of medical cannabis that they are ready to supply to us. But we are talking about medicine, and therefore the consumer is not every person, but patients who suffer from clearly defined diseases,” Slobodnichenko explained. In other words, while the EU has plenty of cannabis waiting in the wings, it’s not for the average person—it’s for those with specific medical needs.
The official launch of Ukraine’s medical cannabis program follows the passing of a reform in December 2023, with President Volodymyr Zelensky signing the measure in February 2024. Under this new policy, cannabis resin, extracts, and tinctures are no longer considered “dangerous substances.” However, production, distribution, and usage will be tightly regulated, ensuring cannabis is dispensed only to patients who genuinely need it.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with several government agencies, has developed detailed regulations to govern the entire cannabis process, from cultivation to prescription. “In order to implement the Law, the Ministry of Health team, together with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the State Medical Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police, and other executive authorities, have developed by-laws that regulate all processes in detail and will allow the patient to receive medicine from medical cannabis,” the Ministry said.
To ensure a tightly controlled system, Ukrainian medical cannabis cultivation will take place in “closed soil conditions,” under 24/7 video surveillance. Police will also have “free access” to all facilities to monitor compliance with regulations. “For cultivation, there is a procedure for purchasing plant seeds—they must have a quality certificate and be registered in the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine,” the Ministry added.
Medical cannabis products will only be available through prescriptions. “Medicines from medical cannabis will be made in a pharmacy setting and prescribed by prescription to patients for whom conventional medicines do not have a therapeutic effect or cause adverse reactions that are poorly tolerated,” the Ministry explained. These products are expected to include oral drops, hard capsules, and dental pastes.
Additionally, the law will allow individuals to carry medical cannabis products across borders, provided they are for personal use and in the amounts prescribed by their doctor.
Ukraine is on its way to creating a robust system for medical cannabis, one that ensures strict regulation while providing patients with much-needed relief. With the EU standing by to supply cannabis, the future looks promising for those in need of this innovative treatment.
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