The Ukrainian parliament has voted in favor of legalizing medical cannabis, marking a significant milestone for the medical cannabis industry in Europe.
Prime Minister Denys Smyhal has proposed legislation for official approval, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently reviewing, as per Forbes.
Ukraine Legalizes Medical Cannabis for Mental Health
The new law, set to go into effect in six months, aims to address psychological trauma and stress-related diseases resulting from Russia's war. The bill, approved on Thursday, permits the use of marijuana for the necessary treatment of oncological diseases and post-traumatic stress disorders.
After a year-long debate and over 800 amendment submissions since the proposal's introduction in June 2022, the parliament cast 248 votes in favor, 16 votes against, and recorded 33 abstentions. President Zelensky, supporting the push for legalization, emphasized the importance of implementing effective policies for the well-being of Ukrainians. Patients are expected to be able to receive prescriptions by the second half of 2024.
Under the legislation, doctors now have the authority to prescribe cannabis or drugs derived from cannabinoids. Additionally, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to acquire licenses for the cultivation of hemp plants. As an important step, the National Police will grant access to 24-hour video surveillance, which will keep a watchful eye on businesses.
In a significant development, patients holding cannabis prescriptions will now have the freedom to travel with limited quantities of the drug. The Health Ministry will establish clear guidelines outlining the specific conditions and medications permitted under this new legislation.
Marijuana Legalization Debate in Ukraine
In a national address on June 28, Zelensky expressed his endorsement for the legalization efforts. The Ukrainian President emphasized the importance of implementing a comprehensive range of global best practices, effective policies, and unconventional solutions in Ukraine.
Zelensky stressed that these measures, regardless of their difficulty or uniqueness, are crucial in order to spare Ukrainians, including all citizens, from the devastating consequences of war. In accordance with the recently enacted legislation, physicians are now authorized to prescribe cannabis or medications containing cannabinoids, while individuals interested in cultivating hemp plants can acquire a license as entrepreneurs.
In a recent development, it has been revealed that the aforementioned businesses will now be placed under the watchful eye of 24-hour video surveillance. Notably, access to these surveillance feeds will be granted exclusively to the National Police.
Patients holding cannabis prescriptions will now have the freedom to travel in and out of Ukraine while carrying limited quantities of the prescribed drugs. The Health Ministry will be responsible for establishing the specifics regarding the conditions and medicines that will be allowed under the recently passed law.
In Ukraine, it remains a noteworthy fact that the distribution of marijuana for recreational purposes is still considered a criminal offense. As the war in Ukraine has progressed, there has been a noticeable increase in support for medicinal marijuana within the country's government.
According to Maria Mezentseva, a prominent Ukrainian MP and deputy head of the committee responsible for Ukraine's European Union membership aspirations, an overwhelming majority of over 70% of the population in the country is in favor of the legalization of cannabis specifically for medical purposes.
Mezentseva revealed that over six million individuals, encompassing civilians, soldiers, and cancer patients, are in need of cannabis-based medications. Governments across the globe have been gradually embracing the use of medicinal marijuana.
In Ukrainian society, the legalization of medical cannabis continues to be a topic of debate and criticism, despite the progress that has been made. According to the Health Committee, a significant portion of the opposition is based on antiquated Soviet stereotypes.
There are those who contend that once cannabis is legalized, individuals will immediately begin consuming marijuana in public spaces. There is a growing concern among individuals that the National Police may not possess the capability to effectively regulate the distribution of hemp.
The Health Committee highlighted the fact that medical cannabis, specifically those containing cannabidiol, does not possess a significant psychoactive impact. This characteristic renders it unappealing for recreational purposes, according to the committee.
