Ukraine has officially registered its first medical cannabis product, with oral cannabis drops developed in Spain expected to be available in pharmacies early this year. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanyshyna and the Patients of Ukraine Charitable Foundation on Wednesday.
This development comes a year after Ukraine adopted legislation legalizing medical cannabis, signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelensky in February 2024. While the legal framework has been in place since last summer, product registration delays have postponed access until now.
Expanding Medical Cannabis Options
The oral drops are just the beginning. Officials have also approved cannabis capsules, dental pastes, and gels, which are currently undergoing the registration process. The new law allows the use of cannabis-based medicines for severe illnesses and PTSD, particularly targeting those affected by the ongoing conflict with Russia.
“During this time, the Ukrainian system has been prepared at the legislative level for the legalization of medical drugs,” said Stefanyshyna. “The first medicines will soon appear in pharmacies.”
A Landmark Policy Shift Amid Conflict
The Ministry of Health clarified in August that cannabis, its resin, extracts, and tinctures are no longer classified as “particularly dangerous substances.” These changes make Ukraine one of the few nations in the region to embrace medical cannabis, setting it apart from Russia, which remains firmly opposed to reform.
Zelensky has championed the policy, emphasizing its importance for alleviating the suffering caused by war. “We must finally fairly legalize cannabis-based medicines for all those who need them,” he said during a parliamentary address in mid-2023.
Next Steps: Training and Oversight
Hanna Glushchenko, head of international partnerships at the Ukrainian Medical Cannabis Association, praised the milestone and highlighted ongoing efforts to train Ukrainian doctors in cannabis-based treatments.
Regulatory responsibilities will be shared among the Agrarian Policy Ministry, the National Police, and the State Agency on Medicines, ensuring proper oversight of cultivation, processing, and distribution operations.
As Ukraine moves forward with medical cannabis, it marks a significant step toward providing relief to its citizens while contrasting sharply with Russia’s staunch anti-cannabis stance.
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