Ukraine Medical Cannabis Legalisation Halted by Opposition
- Ukraine’s attempt to legalize medical cannabis has been effectively blocked, despite widespread support throughout the country and from President Zelenskyy. Opposition parties are accused of delaying the final vote by cluttering the process with ‘spam’ amendments.
- The bill’s second reading did not take place as scheduled due to the opposition, specifically the All-Ukrainian Union ‘Fatherland’ party. This party, led by former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, submitted the bulk of the spam amendments to block the bill. A discussion is now ongoing about limiting the number of amendments that can be raised in parliament.
- If passed, the bill will regulate the legal limited circulation of cannabis for medical, industrial and scientific purposes. The medicines will be subject to the same strict controls as other narcotic and psychotropic drugs and can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Ukraine’s Medical Cannabis Bill Stalled
Ukraine’s attempt to legalize medical cannabis, which seemed on the brink of a breakthrough, has been effectively ‘blocked’. Despite strong support, opposition parties are accused of delaying the bill with ‘spam’ amendments. Those backing the bill are committed to pushing the legislation through for the millions of Ukrainians who could benefit from medical cannabis.
Legislative Process
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s unicameral parliament, was poised to pass a bill legalising medical cannabis. After its initial approval in July, on October 10, the National Health, Medical Care and Health Insurance Committee endorsed the legislation for a second and final reading. Over 800 amendments were reportedly addressed prior to this according to the government.
The new Draft Bill #7457 was submitted to parliament after additional proposals from the Health Ministry and committee members. A second reading was set for November 22 and was expected to pass smoothly, with a majority of lawmakers believed to be in favor.
Bill Delays
However, the second reading was postponed and is allegedly being ‘blocked’ by a single opposition party. MP Olga Stefanyshina of the Spravedlyvist party expressed her frustration on social media, showing 882 amendments submitted by MPs, suggesting that 226 were designed to halt the bill. She told local media that most amendments were submitted by the All-Ukrainian Union ‘Fatherland’ party, led by ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko who opposes the bill.
Numerous MPs submitted ‘spam’ amendments, causing a significant waste of time. Stefanyshina suggested measures to limit the number of amendments or force the Verkhovna Rada to listen to the ‘spam’ amendments.
Expected Impact of the Bill
The bill, marking the third attempt to legalize medical cannabis in Ukraine, is backed by Health Minister, Viktor Liashko, and President Zelenskyy to help the country recover from war trauma. If approved, it will create rules for the legal limited circulation of cannabis for medical, industrial, and scientific purposes. Conditions like cancer and PTSD could be treated with cannabis-based medicines, subjected to the same ‘strict controls as other narcotic and psychotropic drugs’.
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