The war in Ukraine has understandably pushed cannabis-related news into the background. But in a country where the two cannabis preparations dronabinol and nabiximols have been approved since April last year, the desire among the population for the legalization of medicinal cannabis is growing.
But first, we would like to clarify the most important questions for you here:
Medically used cannabinoids are now produced both naturally and synthetically on a large scale. Medicinal THC or medicinal cannabis refers to the female flowers of the hemp plant or certain preparations thereof, provided they are used to alleviate or treat the symptoms and complaints of an illness and not just as a stimulant. In principle, any cannabis strain that contains an effective amount of active cannabinoids (active ingredient) can be considered medical marijuana, provided it is used for this purpose.
In terms of effects, positive effects are often reported in various groups of people through the use of cannabis. These include people with chronic pain, painful muscle spasms, spasticity or inflammation. But also in patients with cancer during chemotherapy or in asthma, AIDS, epilepsy or Crohn's disease patients who have noticed relief from certain symptoms and side effects. An exciting effect, which also often occurs, is an improved quality of life, which means that in addition to the reduction in symptoms, other effects can also be observed: Increased appetite, improved sleep and improved coping strategies. Relatives also report that those affected are more relaxed and less focused solely on the illness.
Now back to medicinal cannabis and the connection with Ukraine: On June 7, Ukraine's Minister of Health Viktor Liashko announced via Facebook that a draft law had been approved by the cabinet, which provides for the regulation of cannabis plants for medical, scientific and industrial purposes. The negative consequences of the war and the growing need to heal and alleviate damaged medical conditions had been understood.
According to Liashko, the draft law, which is now to be submitted to the Ukrainian parliament following approval by the cabinet, aims to create the conditions for easier access for patients to treatment for cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the war. 226 votes would be needed for the project to become a reality. The draft bill is intended to be a revised version of a bill that the legislature failed to pass in the summer of 2021.
Liashko had already indicated that there would be more support for the full legalization of medical cannabis this year. "We know about the negative impact of war on mental health. We know the number of people who will need medical treatment because of these effects. And we know that we don't have time to wait," the health minister reported.
Liashko said that the draft law should ensure the "complete cycle of cannabis-based pharmaceutical production in Ukraine". He emphasized that Ukraine should gradually develop its own industry instead of relying exclusively on imports from abroad. However, the Ukrainian government will strongly control the cultivation, production and sale of the medicines, the Ministry of Health announced in a statement.
Health Minister Liashko emphasized that medicines based on medicinal cannabis should not be seen as competitors to narcotics or the like. Other measures would be taken to regulate the trade in natural medicines. He also alluded to the campaigns against cannabis, which have already been used in the past to undermine its medicinal effects.
Viktor Liashko stated that cannabis could be used to treat a variety of physical and mental ailments. This was also one of the reasons why the ban on cannabis for medicinal purposes was lifted in Swiss law on August 1, 2022. And subsequently Sainfort also joined in the development of the production and cultivation of medical THC and cannabis.
Nevertheless, it cannot be said or predicted exactly when the use of medical cannabis will actually progress in Ukraine. It is also not yet clear whether the draft law could be followed by legalization for recreational use. After all, it would not be possible to determine exactly when the war with Russia would end and when a government would pursue these health goals. A new generation of Ukrainians would first have to grow up to realize this goal. Therefore, cannabis for recreational use will probably remain prohibited in Ukraine for the time being. In any case, we will keep you up to date and look forward to further positive information from the cannabis environment.