Medical cannabis law goes into effect in Ukraine

Source: Ukraine’s health ministry

Now it’s official, the new law regulating medical cannabis use officially took effect in Ukraine on August 16, said the country’s health ministry on Friday. This legislation allows the use of cannabis for “medical, industrial, and scientific purposes”, lifting previous restrictions on cannabis resin, extracts, and tinctures.

Removing cannabis from the list of highly dangerous substances, the policy aims to help patients with severe illnesses and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the nation’s ongoing conflict with Russia.  There are still some no-go things in place. For instance, dried medical cannabis must have a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of at least 0.3%.

Ukraine’s goverenment is planning to review licensing conditions for cultivating medical cannabis in Ukraine. The entire supply chain will be under tight control—from import to pharmacy sales.  Businesses can expect round-the-clock video surveillance with access for the National Police, indoor cultivation requirements, and strict seed purchase protocols.

The government will also oversee medical cannabis distribution, including secure transport and transparency through a new electronic system set to be unveiled this fall. Every transaction will be filed the following day, and prescriptions can be issued electronically for patients who cannot use other treatments or experience severe side effects.

In a move to make things easier, Ukraine’s health ministry said it will allow people entering or exiting Ukraine, or traveling through, to carry medical cannabis medications for personal use, as long as the amount matches their doctor’s prescription.