The Ukraine officially granted its first permit ever for the importation of medical cannabis into the country. Patients are now one step closer towards receiving their treatment.
This is the latest in Ukraine’s rapidly-evolving medical cannabis programme. It was officially legislated last August.
Iryna Racchynska of Patients of Ukraine campaign group told MEDCAN24: The patient community in Ukraine has fought for more than five year to make medical marijuana available. Now we see the real fruits of their efforts.
The system has begun to prepare for the introduction of cannabis-based medications into medical practices. This gives hope for a higher quality of living for those patients who require this type treatment.
Never forget that the rapid pace of development is occurring as Ukraine endures some of Russia’s most brutal strikes during the current war.
It is a good example for the rest of world to see that even in the most difficult circumstances, meaningful changes can be made.
A second night of shelters. Children are waking up to sirens, explosions and other noises. #russia‘s relentless terror continues—targeting civilians. Every morning we go to our jobs, do everything we can for Victory and think of those who are on the frontline. pic.twitter.com/4mASdmSMM5
— Olga Stefanishyna (@StefanishynaO) June 10, 2025
‘Access to treatment is now a right, not a privilege’
The first license for medical cannabis importation into Ukraine was issued by the State Medical Service of Ukraine on June 2, 2025.
While the successful importer was not named directly, the government noted that ‘the permit was issued for a substance that is registered in Ukraine’, and included in the State Register of Medicinal Products.
The first API’s entered into Ukraine were registered on the State Register of Medicinal Products in Ukraine, as previously announced.
Three full-spectrum oil from Curaleaf was included, as were two oils balanced with 10mg/ml and 25mg/ml THC and CBD and one THC only 25mg/ml.
Curaleaf products are the first products that will import to this country, as they remain the only products that have been registered. Local sources have also confirmed this.
Ongoing delays
Patients were expected to have them in a few weeks after the products’ registration, which was done in January.
The process has been slower than originally hoped due to the strict standards of the pharmaceutical industry, lack of supply chains and need for pharmacists and doctors to be educated.
Ms Rachynska explained that coordination between ‘the manufacturer’ and the Ministry of Health is ongoing, and the authorisation documentation has now been issued, detailing the requirements for packaging, labelling and storage conditions are being agreed upon in accordance with national standards.
Negotiations are also underway with Ukrainian pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies to develop pharmaceutical products using (the first API imported). Implementation is done in conjunction with the Ministry of Health. However, it takes time to train and adapt staff as well as adjust regulatory processes.
However, this procedure is complex and has multiple levels. Although the regulatory framework is largely in place, it’s still not complete for full medical cannabis implementation.
“In particular, CMU Resolution No. The Cabinet of Ministers must approve quotas annually, otherwise cannabis importation and cultivation are not possible. Import quotas are not approved until 2024. This is what causes the delays. “There is uncertainty regarding the process of issuing pharmacy master forms and the absence of a clearly defined mechanism to include new products in the registered of authorized drugs.”
The fact that Ukraine is using the magistral system means pharmacies must produce their own preparations.
The number of pharmacies that can handle medical cannabis will be limited to 200. Each pharmacy must obtain licences to conduct retail business, manufacture medicines, and to traffic in narcotic substances.
As we previously reported, in spite of the significant interest shown by international cannabis companies, many businesses are still struggling to register their products due to strict standards set forth by Ukrainian authorities.
Ukraine has a uniform registration system for active pharmaceutical ingredients, independent of the nature of each API. In countries like Germany and UK this step isn’t necessary.
Regarding these standards, Ms Rachynska suggested that while they serve the guarantee the highest quality treatment for Ukrainians, ‘these strict requirements are holding back the market’.
The patients are delayed in receiving treatment. It is therefore important that the regulator finds a compromise: maintain high standards while at the same adapting the conditions so as to ensure medicines are brought into the country as quickly as possible.
This is what it means to patients
The campaign to make medical cannabis available in Ukraine has been ongoing ‘for years’, but the Russian invasion served to accelerate efforts, with the Ministry of Health estimating that around 6m citizens, including military personnel and civilians who have suffered due to the war, could now benefit from treatment.
Rachynska added, “This is a good start, although it’s not the panacea to solve all of our problems.
The implementation process has not yet allowed patients to experience real change. But we are glad that Ukraine has finally joined the civilized world, where access to treatment is a right, not a privilege… For millions of people, it is an opportunity to get rid of chronic pain, nausea, seizures and other severe manifestations of diseases that significantly impair their quality of life.”
Despite the fact that the prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among Ukrainians after the war was a major driving force for legalisation, the condition is not on the list where medical cannabis prescriptions can be made.
Rachynska said: “The patient’s community insists that PTSD be included in this list as the prevalence of PTSD has increased since the war began.” As we know how vital this list is to a wide range of people, including civilians, and soldiers, we are working actively to increase it.
Medical cannabis is prescribed in many countries, including Israel and Canada, to treat PTSD.
The state has not yet realised that millions of people are suffering from PTSD.
Looking ahead, while Ms Rachynska says it is ‘too early’ to talk about a fully-fledged awareness campaign, her organisation is currently working with the NHSU Academy to develop a training course for doctors so that they are ready to prescribe the drugs when they appear in Ukraine.
“Later, we are preparing a public awareness campaign – through the media, patient organisations, stigma removal campaigns, explaining the difference between medical and recreational cannabis.
We call on international pharmaceutical companies to take note of Ukraine and provide medicines for our patients. Ukrainian patients need affordable and high-quality treatments.
Berlin and London are preparing for the arrival of Europe’s cannabis industry. European Cannabis Week Four separate events will be held between June 19 and 25 to showcase the latest perspectives from world-leading voices.
Order the digital report that will soon be released to get real-time market updates, including market size and regulatory developments. Prohibition Partners is now available on this site.
The Ukraine officially granted its first permit ever for the importation of medical cannabis into the country. Patients are now one step closer towards receiving their treatment.
This is the latest in Ukraine’s rapidly developing medical cannabis programme. It was formally enshrined into law by the government last August.
Iryna Racchynska of Patients of Ukraine campaign group told MEDCAN24: The patient community in Ukraine has been fighting to make medical marijuana available for more than five long years. Now we’re seeing real results from this fight.
The system has begun to prepare for the introduction of cannabis-based medications into medical practices. This gives hope that patients needing this type of treatment can have an improved life quality.
Never forget that the rapid pace of development is occurring as Ukraine endures some of Russia’s most brutal strikes during the current war.
It is a good example for the rest of world to see that even in the most difficult circumstances, meaningful changes can be made.
A second night of sheltering. Children are waking up to sirens, explosions and other noises. #russia‘s relentless terror continues—targeting civilians. Every morning we go to our jobs, do everything we can for Victory and think of those who are on the frontline. pic.twitter.com/4mASdmSMM5
— Olga Stefanishyna (@StefanishynaO) June 10, 2025
‘Access to treatment is now a right, not a privilege’
The first license for medical cannabis importation into Ukraine was issued by the State Medical Service of Ukraine on June 2, 2025.
While the successful importer was not named directly, the government noted that ‘the permit was issued for a substance that is registered in Ukraine’, and included in the State Register of Medicinal Products.
According to previous reports, all APIs entering the country must be registered in the State Register of Medicinal Products of Ukraine.
Three full-spectrum oil from Curaleaf was included, as were two oils balanced with 10mg/ml and 25mg/ml THC and CBD and another with only 25mg/ml THC.
Curaleaf products are the first products that will import to this country, as they remain the only products that have been registered. Local sources have also confirmed this.
Ongoing delays
Patients were expected to have them in a few weeks after the products’ registration, which was done in January.
Despite the efforts of advocates, however, progress is slower than expected due to the lackluster performance in the first few months. This can be attributed to the fact that the government has stricter pharmaceutical standards and needs more time for the development of the supply chain and education programs.
Ms Rachynska explained that coordination between ‘the manufacturer’ and the Ministry of Health is ongoing, and the authorisation documentation has now been issued, detailing the requirements for packaging, labelling and storage conditions are being agreed upon in accordance with national standards.
Negotiations are also underway with Ukrainian pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies to develop pharmaceutical products using (the first API imported). Implementation is done in conjunction with the Ministry of Health. However, it takes time to train and adapt staff as well as adjust regulatory processes.
However, this procedure is complex and involves multiple levels. Although the regulatory framework is largely in place, it’s still not complete for full medical cannabis implementation.
“In particular, CMU Resolution No. The Cabinet of Ministers must approve quotas annually, otherwise cannabis importation and cultivation are not possible. Import quotas are not approved until 2024. This is what causes the delays. “There is uncertainty regarding the process of issuing pharmacy master forms and the absence of a clearly defined mechanism to include new products in the registered of authorized drugs.”
The fact that Ukraine is using the magistral system means that pharmacies must produce their own preparations.
The number of pharmacies that can handle medical cannabis will be limited to 200. Each pharmacy must obtain licences to conduct retail business, manufacture medicines, and to traffic in narcotic substances.
As we previously reported, in spite of the significant interest shown by international cannabis companies, many businesses are still struggling to register their products due to strict standards set forth by Ukrainian authorities.
Ukraine has a uniform registration system for active pharmaceutical ingredients, regardless of whether they are natural or synthetic. In countries like Germany or UK this isn’t necessary.
Regarding these standards, Ms Rachynska suggested that while they serve the guarantee the highest quality treatment for Ukrainians, ‘these strict requirements are holding back the market’.
The patients are delayed in receiving treatment. It is therefore important that the regulator finds a compromise: maintain high standards while at the same adapting the conditions so as to ensure medicines are brought into the country as quickly as possible.
This is what it means to patients
The campaign to make medical cannabis available in Ukraine has been ongoing ‘for years’, but the Russian invasion served to accelerate efforts, with the Ministry of Health estimating that around 6m citizens, including military personnel and civilians who have suffered due to the war, could now benefit from treatment.
Rachynska added, “This is a good start, although it’s not the panacea to solve all of our problems.
The implementation process has not yet allowed patients to experience real change. But we are glad that Ukraine has finally joined the civilized world, where access to treatment is a right, not a privilege… For millions of people, it is an opportunity to get rid of chronic pain, nausea, seizures and other severe manifestations of diseases that significantly impair their quality of life.”
Despite the fact that the prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among Ukrainians after the war was a major driving force for legalisation, the condition is not on the list where medical cannabis prescriptions can be made.
Rachynska said: “The patient’s community insists that PTSD be included in this list as the prevalence of PTSD has increased since the war began.” This list will be expanded as soon as possible, because we realize how critical it is to many people, civilians and veterans.
It is a fact that the number of people who suffer from PTSD has increased since the Russian invasion. In many countries like Israel and Canada medical cannabis is used to treat PTSD.
The state has not yet realised that millions of people are suffering from PTSD.
Looking ahead, while Ms Rachynska says it is ‘too early’ to talk about a fully-fledged awareness campaign, her organisation is currently working with the NHSU Academy to develop a training course for doctors so that they are ready to prescribe the drugs when they appear in Ukraine.
“Later, we are preparing a public awareness campaign – through the media, patient organisations, stigma removal campaigns, explaining the difference between medical and recreational cannabis.
We call on international pharmaceutical companies to take note of Ukraine and provide medicines for our patients. Ukrainian patients need affordable and high-quality treatments.
Berlin and London are preparing for the arrival of Europe’s cannabis industry. European Cannabis Week Four separate events will be held between June 19 and 25 to showcase the latest perspectives from world-leading voices.
Order the digital report that will soon be released to get real-time market updates, including market size and regulatory developments. Prohibition Partners is now available on this site.
Cannabis Law Resources in Poland
Discover essential legal information about the cultivation of cannabis, its sale, and regulations governing medical products in Poland. These guides will help you understand the legal requirements, such as certifications and permissions.
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Polish News Registration and Interests of Cannabis Businesses
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Permissions for Cannabis Sales in Poland
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Authorization for Importing or Manufacturing Medical Products
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Permission for Manufacturing or Importing Medical Products
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Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
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Registration of Medical Products in Poland