In a historic move, Ukraine has legalized medical cannabis as a result of a parliamentary vote, with 248 MPs in favor. The legislation, set to take effect in the second half of 2024, strictly regulates the use of cannabis for medical, industrial, and scientific purposes. Recreational use remains illegal, subject to police investigation. The production of medical cannabis will undergo rigorous scrutiny, limited to licensed entities with GMP certification and 24-hour video surveillance. Each plant will be individually coded, ensuring traceability from cultivation to patient. Medications based on medical cannabis will require electronic prescriptions, mirroring the process for substances like morphine. Despite opposition from parties like Batkivshchyna and European Solidarity, the decision signifies a significant shift in Ukraine’s stance on medical cannabis, acknowledging its therapeutic benefits and aligning with global trends in cannabis regulation.

Learn more at the New Voice of Ukraine.