Ukraine's president calls for legalization of medical marijuana to help Ukrainians cope with war trauma. In a speech to the Ukrainian parliament on June 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that everything should be done to help Ukrainians, all our citizens, endure the pain, stress and trauma of war.
No matter how difficult or unusual some 'solutions' may seem. “In particular, we must finally legalize cannabis-based medicines for everyone who needs them, with appropriate scientific research and controlled Ukrainian production.”
Weed against war trauma
The president stressed that providing access to medical marijuana could be a therapeutic option for citizens who endured more than a year of intense conflict after Russia invaded the country in February 2022.
During his 2019 presidential campaign, Zelensky also expressed his support for the legalization of medicinal cannabis. Zelensky's cabinet has taken steps to legalize medical marijuana by passing draft reform legislation last year. This still has to go through the cabinet.
Health Minister Viktor Liashko: “We understand the negative impact of war on mental health. There is no time to wait.” Liashko advocates for better access for patients to the necessary treatment for cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder caused by war.
Russia vs Ukraine
The policy shift would place Ukraine in stark contrast to its long-standing aggressor Russia, which has taken a particularly strong stance against cannabis policy reform at the international level through the United Nations. The country has condemned Canada for legalizing marijuana nationwide.
Russia's Foreign Ministry deputy said last year that legalization in the United States and Canada is "a matter of serious concern for us," according to a social media post from the agency's official account. “It is concerning that several member states of the European Union are considering violating their drug control obligations.”
Zelensky's comments about legalizing medical cannabis came on the same day Luxembourg's parliament voted to legalize the possession and cultivation of marijuana by adults, making it the second country in the European Union to end the ban.
Source: filtermag.org (EN)
