The Draft Law No. 7457 is intended to regulate the circulation of plants of the Cannabis genus (hereinafter referred to as cannabis) for medical, industrial, scientific and technical purposes.

More than 2 million people in Ukraine need medicinal cannabis-based products. In particular, these are cancer patients, palliative care patients, people suffering from epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, etc. These medicines are critically needed to alleviate the condition of such patients.

Also, medical cannabis helps treat post-traumatic stress disorder, and therefore is very relevant today for all those affected by the war.

Medical cannabis has already been legalised in 50 countries.

It is important to understand that medical cannabis is a medicine. And it is used only as prescribed by a doctor and under his or her strict control.

The government has taken a step forward for people who need this type of medicine.

How will it work?

Only legal entities will be able to use cannabis if they have the appropriate licence, which will be issued within the quotas set by the Cabinet of Ministers. Licences will have to specify the area and address of the premises where such activities are allowed.

The CMU will have to set a zero quota for the import of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and cannabis precursors by 2033, except for finished medicines that have passed all stages of production, including packaging. This means that only finished cannabis-based medicines will be allowed to enter Ukraine.

In order to track the circulation of cannabis, each batch and unit will have to be labelled with a unique barcode

Retail sale of the relevant products will be carried out exclusively upon presentation of electronic prescriptions issued through the electronic healthcare system.

Pharmacies of all forms of ownership will be able to sell cannabis if they have the appropriate licence.

The Institute of Legislative Ideas supports the adoption of this draft law and, if adopted, will monitor the development and approval of all necessary regulations.

More details in our opinion.