As of August 16, 2024, the law legalizing the use of medical cannabis in Ukraine has officially come into effect. The legislation, passed earlier this year, is designed to regulate the circulation of cannabis for medical, industrial, and scientific purposes, according to the Ministry of Health.
Under this new law, doctors in Ukraine can now prescribe cannabis-infused medications to patients for pain relief and the treatment of conditions related to nervous system dysfunctions. However, the law strictly prohibits the cultivation and distribution of cannabis for recreational purposes, maintaining a clear distinction between medical use and other forms of cannabis consumption.
The law mandates rigorous controls throughout the production process of medical cannabis. Only licensed enterprises with certified production quality standards will be permitted to grow and manufacture cannabis-based medicines. These operations are required to implement 24-hour video surveillance and provide access to records for the National Police, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulations. Additionally, each cannabis plant will be assigned an individual code to facilitate tracking and monitoring by law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
The move to legalize medical cannabis is a significant step forward in Ukraine's healthcare system, aimed at providing patients with necessary treatments while maintaining strict oversight to prevent misuse. The law was signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyi on February 15, 2024, marking a new era in the country's approach to medical cannabis.
