Ukraine registers first medical cannabis-based drug
Ukraine has officially registered its first medical cannabis-based drug. The inaugural product is an oral drop formulation from a Spanish brand, the Patients of Ukraine Foundation reported.
According to the foundation, the drug could become available in pharmacies as early as the beginning of 2025.
The foundation also noted that in 2024, the Ministry of Health approved a list of additional medical cannabis-based drug formulations, including solid capsules, dental pastes, and gels. The ministry also outlined the list of diseases and conditions for which medical cannabis drugs can be prescribed.
"Treatment will be available for patients with chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, Tourette's syndrome, drug-resistant epilepsy, childhood seizure disorders, and anorexia caused by HIV," the foundation stated.
However, the foundation emphasized that "the patient community insists that PTSD needs to be added to this list."
As previously reported, on August 16, 2024, a law regulating the use of cannabis plants (Cannabis genus) for medical, industrial, scientific, and technical purposes (bill No. 7457) came into force. This law, passed in December 2023, establishes regulatory conditions for the legal and limited circulation and use of cannabis, its resin, extracts, and tinctures for the aforementioned purposes.
The Ministry of Health estimates that 6 million patients require medical cannabis-based medications.