Ukraine Removes Cannabis From List of Highly Dangerous Drugs

Recently, Ukraine made a significant change to its cannabis regulations, which could have far-reaching effects on public health, science, and the economy. The government’s decision to remove cannabis, cannabis resin, extracts, and tinctures from the list of particularly dangerous drugs was announced by Taras Melnychuk, the Cabinet of Ministers’ representative in the Verkhovna Rada, via his Telegram communication.

For many years, cannabis was strictly regulated and prohibited in Ukraine as a particularly dangerous narcotic substance. In 2000, the Ukrainian government introduced regulations that severely restricted the trade and possession of cannabis and its derivatives. However, growing interest in the medical use of cannabis and advances in scientific research have led to a shift in the approach to this plant.

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Details of the New Legislation

The Ukrainian government decided to amend the list of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors, which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution No. 770 of May 6, 2000. According to the new legislation, cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabis extracts, and tinctures have been removed from the list of particularly dangerous narcotic substances, whose trade is prohibited. Additionally, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has also been removed from the list of dangerous psychotropic substances.

The new regulations stipulate that from August 16, 2024, cannabis and its derivatives can be used for educational, scientific, and technical purposes, as well as in the production of psychotropic substances and medicines used in medical practice. An important aspect of the new regulations is also the establishment that from February 16, 2027, the maximum allowable concentration of THC in industrial cannabis cannot exceed 0.3%.

Benefits for Patients in Ukraine

One of the most important aspects of the new regulations is the improvement of access to treatment for patients. Cannabis and its derivatives have a wide range of medical applications, and their legalization can significantly improve the quality of life for many people suffering from chronic diseases and conditions.

Examples of diseases that can be treated with cannabis include:

• Chronic pain: Cannabis is known for its pain-relieving properties, which can help patients suffering from various types of pain, including neuropathic and cancer-related pain.
• Epilepsy: CBD, one of the main components of cannabis, has shown effectiveness in reducing the frequency and intensity of epileptic seizures.
• Multiple sclerosis: Cannabis can alleviate symptoms such as muscle spasticity and pain.

Industry and Future Regulations

Changes in the regulations can also positively impact the development of the cannabis industry in Ukraine. The legalization of cannabis opens the door to the development of new industries, including medical, cosmetic, and textile production. Thanks to its favorable climate and large agricultural areas, Ukraine could become an important player in the international cannabis market.

Future regulations regarding the maximum THC content in industrial cannabis will be crucial for the development of this sector. Setting the limit at 0.3% THC ensures that industrial cannabis will comply with international standards, enabling the export of Ukrainian products to foreign markets.

Summary: Ukraine and Cannabis

The decision to remove cannabis from the list of highly dangerous drugs in Ukraine is a milestone in regulating this plant. The legislative changes will benefit both the medical and scientific sectors, opening new possibilities for research and therapy. Additionally, the legalization of cannabis could contribute to economic development, creating new jobs and increasing the country’s export potential. It is expected that these changes will benefit patients, scientists, and the entire Ukrainian society.

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(Featured image by M. (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) via Flickr)

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