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Medical access legalised August 2024 — a significant emerging Eastern European market.
Ukraine legalised medical cannabis in August 2024, creating a new emerging market in Eastern Europe. With a population of approximately 40 million, Ukraine represents a significant long-term opportunity for the European supply chain despite ongoing conflict.
Ukraine established a medical cannabis framework in August 2024, following the signing of the legalisation law in February 2024. The decision was driven by public support to provide relief for patients with PTSD, war-related pain, serious illness, and palliative care needs — with an estimated six million patients potentially eligible.
The Cannabis Law removed cannabis resin and extract from the list of dangerous substances, allowing the cultivation, manufacturing, import/export, dispensation, and handling of medical cannabis under licence.
Companies, educational institutions, and R&D projects require a narcotic circulation licence plus relevant activity permits. Cultivators must meet strict safety, transparency, and GACP compliance requirements.
The first medical cannabis products were registered in Ukraine's State Register of Medicinal Products in January 2025. All three registered products are produced by Curaleaf.
Who can prescribe: Primary care and specialist doctors — with approval from a medical advisory committee required for each prescription.
Approved conditions:
Reimbursement: None. No reimbursement framework exists.
As of early 2025, no patients have yet received medical cannabis treatment despite the framework being in place.
Three products registered in Ukraine's State Register (January 2025), all produced by Curaleaf:
Ukraine is currently an extract-only market. Products must be classified and applied as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.
Ukraine is expected to rely entirely on imports for the foreseeable future. The first domestic supply is not forecast until 2028 as production facilities are established.
The Ukrainian Government and Ministry of Health have eased import procedures: companies with a narcotics handling licence can obtain medical cannabis API import permits from the State Medical Service, in agreement with the Security Service of Ukraine.
Yes, since August 2024. Ukraine legalised medical cannabis during the ongoing conflict as a forward-looking policy measure. The licensing and supply framework is in early development.