Why it matters: Ukrainian President Zelensky has signed legislation to legalize medical marijuana to aid soldiers in healing from physical and psychological injuries suffered in the conflict with Russia.
What they are saying: Cannabis has therapeutic properties for individuals experiencing PTSD, can help with anxiety, sleep, nightmares, chronic pain, mood regulation, depression symptoms, memory processing, and flashbacks.
The big picture: The medical cannabis bill faced opposition, but ultimately passed, with a focus on helping survivors of the war. It is set to become effective within six months, with regulations to be formulated by the Cabinet of Ministers and Ministry of Health.
What to watch: The bill currently mentions cancer and war-related PTSD as qualifying conditions, but there is a broader demand for medical cannabis for other conditions such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. Importation of marijuana products may begin sooner than six months, following reclassification of cannabis for medical use.
Your take: Legalizing medical marijuana in Ukraine is a significant step towards providing relief for individuals suffering from trauma related to the conflict with Russia. The therapeutic benefits of cannabis can have a positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of soldiers and civilians alike. It will be important to monitor the implementation of the legislation and ensure access to medical cannabis for those who need it.
