On February 15th, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially gave the green light to use cannabis medicinally, industrially, or for research purposes. 

The bill, known as Law of Ukraine No. 3528-IX, opens the door to cannabis treatment options for millions of Ukrainians amid the ongoing genocide.

Despite resistance from certain political factions, including those aligned with former Prime Minister Yuliia Tymoshenko, who raised concerns about societal impacts, the bill received overwhelming support from wartime volunteers, the Ukrainian parliament, and the health ministry. This collective backing underscored the pressing need for medical cannabis, ultimately securing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s approval.

The need for such a law becomes starkly apparent when considering the psychological toll on Ukraine’s population. The widespread incidence of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among soldiers and civilians alike serves as a grim reminder of the conflict’s lasting effects. The legalization aims to provide relief for conditions like PTSD, supported by scientific research advocating cannabis’s therapeutic benefits.

Set to take effect within six months, the new cannabis law introduces strict regulations to keep a firm boundary against recreational use. Measures include special cultivation and sales licenses, 24-hour police-accessible video surveillance, and a detailed list of qualifying conditions for treatment. Each cannabis plant will also contain a unique coding that makes it traceable. 

Mykhailo Radutskiy, head of the healthcare committee in the Ukrainian Parliament, estimates that over 2 million Ukrainians could initially benefit from medical cannabis, with expectations for this number to rise as the conflict continues. Public support for medical cannabis legalization has been strong, with over 70% of Ukrainian citizens in favor. 

Jeffrey M. Zucker, Co-Founder and President of Green Lion Partners, highlights the law’s more profound significance, “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 times, Ukraine chooses to embrace hope and science for the sake of its citizens.”