Ukraine Lawmakers Vote To Legalize Medical Cannabis

It’s a new milestone for the medical cannabis industry and for Europe: The Ukraine parliament has voted to legalize medical cannabis.

Now it’s set for President Zelensky for official approval.

The new law, which was proposed by Prime Minister Denys Smyhal, will go into effect in six months.

The passage of the bill follows a very fractious period in Ukraine. Talks in Ukraine about cannabis accelerated after the start of the war and culminated in July when the nation’s parliament, in an initial vote, passed legislation, allowing it for medical purposes. It was then finalized and approved by the National Health, Medical Care and Health Insurance Committee in October.

A flurry of excitement is rippling throughout the cannabis community as a result of Ukraine lawmakers voting to legalize medical cannabis.

Jeffrey M. Zucker, co-founder and president of Green Lion Partners, a Denver-based cannabis consulting firm, enthused about the therapeutic benefits medical cannabis will provide the Ukrainian people in light of the ongoing war with Russia.

“We applaud the Ukrainian people for embracing medical cannabis,” he said. “The success of this legislation isn’t just about access to a plant; it’s about offering hope and healing to a nation scarred by unimaginable trauma. It’s about compassion, recognizing the suffering of the Ukrainian people and offering them a tool for healing. It’s about showing the world that even in the darkest of times, Ukraine chooses to embrace hope and science for the sake of its citizens.”

Michael Sassano, founder, chairman and CEO of Somai Pharmaceuticals, a Portuguese medical cannabis company, echoed Zucker’s excitement about the healing benefits the plant will provide to a nation in trauma. He also urged countries to end cannabis prohibition.

“Ukraine legalizing cannabis should be a signal to all countries that prohibit medicinal cannabis, that there are much worst things happening in the world and if you find healing in cannabis, then it’s archaic to prevent it,” he said. “”Observational trials on post-traumatic stress disorcer and cannabis over the last decade has shown to help many of those suffering from frantic events. It’s a correct time for governments to loosen up their prohibition of cannabis that can help their people.”

Recreational cannabis still remains illegal in Ukraine.