Medical cannabis in Ukraine: who can receive the medication and how it works
In Ukraine, the use of medical cannabis for the treatment of certain diseases has been officially permitted. This is an important step for patients who need symptom relief for severe illnesses where traditional treatment methods do not yield the desired results. The new rules are intended to make access to such medications transparent and controlled.
Medications based on medical cannabis are prescribed only for strict medical indications. A patient must consult a doctor who, after an examination and diagnosis, may issue an electronic prescription. This ensures that the medication is used exclusively for therapeutic purposes and under the supervision of a specialist.
Currently, the number of available medications in Ukraine is significantly limited. Patients can find the medicine only in specialized pharmacies that hold the appropriate licenses for handling narcotic substances. The cost of treatment depends on the specific medication and the duration of the course; for example, the price for a 10-day course is calculated individually based on the dosage.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that self-medication with medical cannabis is dangerous and illegal. All steps—from consultation to receiving the medication—must take place through the official electronic healthcare system. This allows the state to track the use of the medication and ensure its quality for every patient.