Ukraine’s medical cannabis legalization policy officially took effect on Friday, August 16, according to a report by the Kyiv Independent. This significant policy shift comes as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia, which has been waging war against its neighbor for more than two years.
The new policy allows military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cancer patients to legally purchase and use medical cannabis, provided they have a prescription from a doctor. This move is seen as a critical step in addressing the mental and physical health needs of those affected by the ongoing conflict. Experts estimate that around 30% of Ukrainian soldiers may be dealing with PTSD, and the Ukrainian Electronic Healthcare System (EHS) has reported a sharp increase in PTSD cases over the past two years.
According to a statement from Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, “Cannabis, its resin, extracts, and tinctures are excluded from the list of particularly dangerous substances. Previously, their circulation was prohibited — now it is allowed, but with certain restrictions.” The Ministry also outlined that to ensure the proper cultivation and distribution of medical cannabis in Ukraine, licensing conditions have been developed and will soon be reviewed by the Cabinet of Ministers. The entire supply chain—from import or cultivation to dispensing cannabis to patients in pharmacies—will be subject to strict license control.
The legalization policy was initially passed by Ukrainian lawmakers in December 2023 and signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelensky in February 2024. Zelensky had advocated for the legalization of medical cannabis during his 2019 presidential campaign, recognizing the potential benefits for individuals suffering from chronic illnesses and mental health conditions, particularly those exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
Under the new law, cannabis products such as resin, extracts, and tinctures are no longer classified as particularly dangerous substances, though they will still be regulated. The licensing framework developed by the Ukrainian government is designed to tightly control the cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical cannabis, ensuring that it is used safely and effectively by those in need.
This landmark policy change comes at a crucial time for Ukraine, where the ongoing conflict with Russia has placed immense strain on the country’s healthcare system. The legalization of medical cannabis is expected to provide much-needed relief for veterans and other patients while also setting a precedent for broader drug policy reforms in the future.
