Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially signed a law legalizing cannabis for medical purposes, according to a legislative database published on Thursday (Feb 15). This momentous judgment represents a fundamental shift in Ukraine’s cannabis legislation, to bring relief to millions of individuals suffering from a variety of medical illnesses. Legalizing medical cannabis is considered critical for approximately 6 million Ukrainians, including cancer patients, civilians suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and wounded troops. These people rely on cannabis-based medication to manage their illnesses and alleviate symptoms.
The legislation continues to criminalize the sale or supply of cannabis for recreational reasons
The bill, signed into law by Ukraine President Zelensky on Tuesday, would take effect six months following its official publication. Importantly, the legislation continues to criminalize the sale or supply of cannabis for recreational reasons. While initially approved by parliament in December with the support of wartime volunteers, the measure was opposed by members of the party led by former Prime Minister Yuliia Tymoshenko, who see it as a threat to the country’s future. Despite political disagreements, the Ukrainian Health Ministry supports the measure.
The government is responsible for developing a complete list of ailments and disorders that require medicinal cannabis prescriptions. Moreover, the bill outlines stringent regulations, including the requirement for special licenses for cannabis cultivation and distribution. Additionally, producers are mandated to maintain 24-hour video surveillance accessible to law enforcement agencies.