How many Ukrainian pharmacies sell medical cannabis

Medical cannabis-based medications are now available in Ukraine at 66 pharmacies, including 36 state-owned and 30 private pharmacies. These medications are dispensed to patients via an electronic prescription from a doctor, following a procedure similar to that of the state program “Affordable Medicines.” 

This was announced during a press briefing dedicated to the launch of the system providing access to such treatment by Inna Ivanenko, Executive Director of the “Patients of Ukraine” Charitable Foundation.

In addition to existing pharmacies, another 180 retail locations have already been registered with the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drug Control. The number of dispensing locations is expected to increase significantly following the Ministry of Health’s anticipated repeal of the requirement for pharmacies to have a chromatograph for this process. Currently, the cost of medications ranges from 990 to nearly 6,000 hryvnias; patients can receive them immediately or the next day if the pharmacy prepares the medication to order. To easily search for available medications, citizens are encouraged to use the online service “tabletki.ua.”

An official order from the Ministry of Health has approved a list of 12 medical conditions and diseases for which electronic prescriptions may be issued. These include multiple sclerosis, cancer, chronic pain, and drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in children. According to estimates by the relevant ministry, a total of about 6 million people in the country require such therapy, including war veterans. The first official dispensing of cannabis-based medication in Ukraine under a filled prescription took place on June 11 in Vinnytsia. At the same time, recreational use of cannabis for pleasure remains strictly prohibited by law and is punishable under criminal law.

Source: Ukrinform.

Prior to this, the Ministry of Health also approved a list of diseases and conditions for which medical cannabis will be prescribed.

As a reminder, on August 16, a law legalizing medical cannabis came into effect in Ukraine.

Support for the legalization of medical cannabis has grown in Ukraine among those who were told that it would help alleviate the pain of sick people. During the experiment, different groups of people were asked questions with varying wording.

In 2021, the Ministry of Health submitted a government bill on medical cannabis for public discussion.

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