Ukraine's government has approved a list of medical conditions that make patients eligible for medical cannabis use under the country's cannabis law enacted by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last month.
Ukraine's Ministry of Health on Friday unveiled a list of about 20 conditions under which medical cannabis can be prescribed to patients, but said additional conditions could be added if deemed medically appropriate. .
These conditions include multiple sclerosis, neurological disorders, shingles, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, complications from chemotherapy, Parkinson's disease, childhood epilepsy, and weight loss associated with eating disorders. The ministry also noted that the Medical Advisory Committee may approve additional conditions in the future.
Zelenskiy and other officials say access to medical marijuana will help soldiers deal with the physical and mental wounds they inflict during the ongoing war with Russia, but Despite the department's opinion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) does not appear to be a qualifying condition at this time.Supporters have suggested as much as a medical marijuana bill to make it through the legislative process.
The Ministry of Health states that “stop taking cannabis-based medicines if the desired therapeutic effect is not achieved within 4 to 12 weeks or if serious side effects (including those related to mental status) occur.'' We should.” translation. “Remember that all activities related to medical cannabis will be strictly controlled by the state and recreational (non-medical) use of cannabis will remain prohibited.”
The country has been preparing to roll out a medical cannabis program, but since cannabis was moved from List I to List II of the national drug code, making it available for medical use with a prescription, the number of marijuana products has increased. We were also able to start importing.
Lawmakers approved the medical marijuana bill in December, but the opposition Batkivshchina party used procedural tactics to block it by forcing the debate on a resolution to repeal the bill. The resolution was defeated in January, paving the way for its passage.
Opponents previously tried to derail the marijuana bill by introducing hundreds of amendments that critics called “spam,” but that attempt failed as well, and the bill ultimately passed with 248 votes. .
The Ministry of Agricultural Policy will be responsible for regulating cannabis cultivation and processing operations. The National Police and the National Pharmaceutical Agency will also have oversight and enforcement powers regarding the distribution of medicines.
Meanwhile, last June, Zelenskiy expressed support for legalizing medical marijuana, saying in a speech in parliament: Our policies must also be applied in Ukraine so that Ukrainians, all citizens, do not have to endure the pain, stress and trauma of war. ”
“In particular, we need to ensure that cannabis-based medicines are eventually legalized fairly and for everyone who needs them, while managing proper scientific research and production in Ukraine,” he said.
—
Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,500 cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills introduced in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25 a month get access to interactive maps, charts, and a hearing calendar so you never miss any developments.
Learn more about Marijuana Bill Tracker and get access by becoming a Patreon supporter.
—
Zelenskiy also expressed support for medical marijuana legalization during the presidential campaign, saying in 2019 that he felt it was “normal” for people to have access to “droplets” of marijuana. , which is probably referring to marijuana tincture.
This policy change puts Ukraine in stark contrast to Russia, a long-time aggressor that has taken a particularly strong stance on cannabis policy reform at the international level through the United Nations. Canada, for example, has condemned the legalization of marijuana across Canada.
Federal marijuana and drug convictions would be automatically sealed under bipartisan Senate bill
Marijuana Moment is made possible by support from our readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.
