The plan to legalize cannabis for medical use in Ukraine has encountered a major obstacle: opposition parties. Despite the massive support of President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian population, hundreds of amendments were tabled which had the effect of blocking the progress of the bill.
Legislative deadlock
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s unicameral legislature, was set to take a historic vote on the medical cannabis reform bill. However, the bill’s progress has been hampered by a barrage of amendments, described by MP Olga Stefanyshina as a deliberate attempt to “exhaust” the legislative process. According to Ms. Stefanyshina, members of the All-Ukrainian Union “Fatherland” are responsible for tabling more than 800 amendments, with the intention of prolonging debates and preventing the adoption of the bill.
Ms. Stefanyshina lamented the senselessness of the situation, stressing that the proposed revisions are just “spam” and lack substance. The bill, which aims to create a national medical cannabis program to provide relief to patients suffering from illnesses such as cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder, received support not only from lawmakers, but also from President Zelensky. The perceived urgency to enact this reform is underscored by the current violent conflict in Ukraine, strengthening the argument for alternative treatments for people suffering from war-related trauma.
President Zelensky has championed the legalization of medical cannabis, aligning with international practices. In a June speech to parliament, he highlighted the need to adopt “global best practices” and equitably legalize cannabis-based medicines. Zelensky explains his support on the belief that these drugs can relieve the pain, stress and trauma suffered by Ukrainians, especially those suffering from war-related disorders.
Although it was passed at first reading in July and approved by the National Commission on Health, Medical Care and Health Insurance in October, the final reading of the bill is therefore postponed indefinitely.
