Ukraine Parliament Votes to Legalize Medicinal Cannabis Amid War

The new law, awaiting President Zelenskyy's signature, aims to treat stress-related diseases caused by the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukraine's parliament has voted to legalize medicinal cannabis to treat stress-related diseases caused by the ongoing war with Russia.
The law, which also allows cannabis for scientific and industrial purposes, was passed with 248 votes in favor, 16 against, and 33 abstentions.
The legislation was proposed by Prime Minister Denys Smyhal and now awaits President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's signature to come into effect.
The law will regulate the production and distribution of cannabis, requiring a doctor's prescription for any medicine containing cannabis. Recreational use of cannabis remains a criminal offense.
The law is expected to come into effect in six months, with patients estimated to start receiving prescriptions in the second half of 2024.