Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor, Ihor Kuzin, highlighted the steps required for the country to prepare for the sale and distribution of such medications, potentially by the end of this year if businesses align promptly.
Key Legislative Reforms Required:
- Reclassification of Cannabis and Cannabidiol: Currently listed under the category of prohibited psychoactive substances, cannabis and cannabidiol need to be reclassified to allow their medical use.
- Establishment of Approved Medical Indications: A list specifying the medical conditions for which cannabis-based medications can be prescribed is necessary.
- Definition of Permitted Dosage Forms: The legal framework must outline the acceptable forms in which these drugs can be administered.
Kuzin's remarks underscore the urgency of reevaluating cannabis's placement in the narcotic drugs list, moving it from a category that bans its use to one that permits it for medical purposes. This legislative shift aims to unlock the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based treatments for patients with approved medical conditions.
The implementation of these changes requires concerted efforts from both legislative bodies and the pharmaceutical industry. The readiness of the latter to distribute medical cannabis products is crucial for the timely roll-out of this initiative. If successful, Ukraine could see the introduction of medical cannabis-based drugs by year-end, marking a significant milestone in the country's healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape.
