The first cannabis-based medications have been registered in Ukraine. When will they be available in pharmacies?
Ukraine has registered its first medication based on medical cannabis, as reported by the charity fund "Patients of Ukraine," according to UNN.
Details
"The first medicines based on medical cannabis have been officially registered in Ukraine. These include oral drops from a Spanish brand. The medication may be available in Ukrainian pharmacies by early 2025," the statement reads.
"The first manufacturer has already registered the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), so the first medicines will soon appear in pharmacies," noted MP Olga Stefanishyna.
In addition to cannabis oral drops, it is reported that "soon solid capsules, dental pastes, and gels will also be available in pharmacies." These forms of medication were approved by the Ministry of Health in 2024.
Furthermore, a list of diseases and conditions for which doctors can prescribe medical cannabis treatment has been adopted. It is noted that treatment will be available for patients with chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, Tourette syndrome, drug-resistant epilepsy, conditions causing seizures in childhood, and anorexia due to HIV.
"Currently, the list of conditions is not progressive. The patient community insists that PTSD should be added to this list. So far, we have managed to ensure that medications can be prescribed for other conditions based on the conclusion of the medical advisory commission in hospitals with a scientific basis. This will provide access to treatment for a larger number of patients in need," said Inna Ivanenko, executive director of the charity fund "Patients of Ukraine."
As noted, medications will be dispensed in pharmacies based on an electronic prescription from a doctor in the patient's name. Pharmacies that will produce the medications must possess three licenses - for retail trade, manufacturing of drugs, and handling of narcotic substances.
According to estimates from the Ministry of Health, it is reported that 6 million patients require medications based on medical cannabis. For over 5 years, the patient community has been fighting to make these medications accessible in Ukraine.