First cannabis-based medicine registered in Ukraine
Ukrainian regulators have officially licensed the first cannabis-based medicine—oral drops from a Spanish brand—for sale in the county, Ukrainian MP and sitting Healthcare Committee member Olha Stefanishyna announced on Jan. 8.
These may become available in Ukrainian pharmacies in early 2025.
“First medical cannabis medicine registered in Ukraine, hooray," Stefanyshyna wrote on Facebook.
Soon, in addition to oral drops, pharmacies will also offer cannabis-based capsules, pastes, and gels. The Health Ministry approved their use in 2024.
The medicines will only be dispensed in pharmacies based on a digital prescription issued by a doctor for a specific patient. Participating pharmacies must obtain three mandatory licenses: for retail sales, production of drugs, and handling of narcotics.
Charitable foundation Patients of Ukraine hailed the announcement as a major breakthrough, with some reservations. In a press release, the organization points out that the list of health conditions for which medical cannabis can be prescribed has some glaring omissions, most notably post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Ukrainian parliament passed a bill legalizing medical cannabis on Jan. 16, 2024, which was then signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Feb. 13.
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