With 228 votes in favor out of 405, the Ukrainian Parliament approved at first reading the bill promoting the legalization of therapeutic cannabis in Ukraine, useful for treating war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Although it may be revised before the second reading in the autumn and the final signature of President Zelensky, the law currently aims to authorize the cultivation of cannabis for medical, industrial and scientific purposes, rather than allowing healthcare facilities and companies to purchase, transport, store and distribute cannabinoid medicines.
Furthermore, as happens in our country, patients will be able to access cannabis exclusively thanks to one prescription medical.
Ukraine: legalize medical cannabis for war veterans
“All the best practices in the world, all the most effective policies, all solutions, no matter how difficult or unusual they may seem to us, must be applied in Ukraine so that Ukrainians, all our citizens, do not have to endure the pain, stress and trauma of war - he had declared Zelensky to the header Ukrainska Pravda - In particular, we must finally legalize cannabis-based medicines fairly for all those who need them, with adequate scientific research and Ukrainian production controlled".
The legalization proposal comes after a long period of stasis. From the failed attempt in 2019, when the project was not approved, to 25 October 2020 when Zelensky announced a national referendum fact-finding and non-binding to ask citizens, among other things, whether they supported "the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes – to reduce pain in critically ill patients". Question to which the 64,88% had responded positively.
The Russian invasion has certainly made us reevaluate our priorities and speed up times. Making us reflect on how helpful cannabis-based medicines can be to treat anxiety or pain.
In fact, therapeutic cannabis will be used both for help war veterans Ukrainians suffering from post-traumatic disorder who to treat some serious pathologies, cannabinoids being effective for provide pain relief.
