Ukraine plans to legalize medical cannabis for the military, Bloomberg

At what stage is the bill now

Discussions in Ukraine on the legalization of medical cannabis culminated in July when the national parliament passed a law allowing its use for medical purposes in the first vote.

The final discussion of the bill may take place at the next parliamentary session. This was reported to Bloomberg in a telephone interview by the Committee Chairman Mykhailo Radutskyi.

In addition, according to two MPs, the session is scheduled for early November. The exact schedule of parliamentary sessions is not disclosed for security reasons. One of the lawmakers said that the law could be adopted as early as this month.

However, some lawmakers are opposed to such a decision. Among the opponents is a faction led by former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

However, the bill is supported by the ruling Servant of the People party and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself.

In an interview, Olha Stefanishyna a member of the Healthcare Committee, said that the bill is especially important when Ukraine is in the active phase of the war to relieve pain after combat injuries and improve the psychological state of the military.

If approved, Ukrainians will be able to buy the medicine with a medical prescription six months after it comes into force. Recreational use will be prohibited, and production will be strictly controlled by the government.

Medical cannabis should not be mistaken for marijuana, as the latter causes narcotic intoxication. (Photo: Freepik)

Why is medical cannabis necessary?

According to oncologist Andrii Beznosenko, medical cannabis serves as a bridge for patients who suffer from severe pain when non-narcotic painkillers are no longer effective and before they transition to narcotic painkillers.

"We prescribe non-narcotic painkillers first, followed by narcotic painkillers if necessary. However, medical cannabis fills the gap between these two types of medication, providing patients the possibility to alleviate their pain," clarified the expert.

Medical cannabis in this instance is non-addictive, and there is no requirement to increase dosage with regular use, unlike opiate-based drugs.

Medical cannabis also has a positive impact on the psycho-emotional state by improving mood, appetite, and easing anxiety and depression. Additionally, it normalizes bowel function.

According to the medical professional, the gastrointestinal tract is crucial for cancer patients, as radiation and chemotherapy often cause nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant symptoms.

The patient does not experience drug intoxication from medical cannabis, since it lacks substances like tetrahydrocannabinol that cause this condition.

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