In early 2024, the Ukrainian parliament passed a bill legalizing medical marijuana, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy then signed into law on February 13. Today, on 16 August 2024, the law legalizing the use of medical cannabis in Ukraine officially came into effect.

This move is seen as a significant step towards providing relief to patients suffering from various medical conditions. The new law will allow for the production, sale, and use of cannabis-based medications under strict regulations.

In order to get a medical cannabis prescription, patients must be suffering from serious medical conditions such as epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, HIV, or chronic pain that have not responded to traditional treatments. Additionally, the law includes provisions for ongoing monitoring and research to ensure the safety and effectiveness of cannabis-based medications.

The legalization of medical cannabis in Ukraine is also expected to create new opportunities for research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, it is hoped that the availability of medical marijuana will help to reduce the stigma surrounding cannabis use and improve access to treatment for those in need. Overall, this new law marks a significant milestone in the country’s approach to healthcare and patient care.