Ukraine registers its first medical cannabis-based medications

This was reported by the Patients of Ukraine charitable foundation.

"It has been a year since Ukraine passed the law on medical cannabis legalization. During this time, the Ukrainian system has been prepared on a legislative level for the legalization of medical products. The first manufacturer has already registered an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), so the first drugs will soon appear in pharmacies," said MP Olha Stefanishyna.

In addition to oral cannabis drops, pharmacies will soon offer capsules, dental pastes, and gels. These forms of medications were approved by the Ministry of Health in 2024.

At the same time, the Patients of Ukraine foundation claims that the list of conditions for which cannabis-based drugs can currently be prescribed is incomplete. The organization insists that PTSD should be added to the list.

"The current list of conditions is not progressive. The patient community insists on including PTSD. We have managed to ensure that drugs can also be prescribed for other conditions based on the conclusions of medical-consultative commissions in hospitals with scientific bases. This will provide access to treatment for more patients in need," said the foundation's executive director, Inna Ivanenko.

According to the Ministry of Health, 6 million patients in Ukraine currently need medical cannabis-based drugs. The medications will be dispensed via electronic prescriptions. Pharmacies producing the drugs must hold three licenses—for retail sales, drug manufacturing, and narcotic substance circulation.

• On August 16, 2024, the law on the legalization of medical cannabis came into force in Ukraine, regulating its use in medical, industrial, scientific, and technical activities.