Is Marijuana Legal in Ukraine?

Recreational cannabis is technically illegal in Ukraine. However, small-scale personal use and cultivation of cannabis are not strongly enforced — the cultivation of up to 10 plants without evidence of intent to sell is decriminalized.

You will likely only receive a fine for this offense. Possession is only criminalized if you have over five grams, and there are calls to lift this restriction to 10 grams.

Medical cannabis is also illegal. However, doctors can prescribe three types of cannabis-based products containing THC or CBD. These can be rather expensive and difficult to access.

What Are the Medical Marijuana Laws in Ukraine?

In general, medical cannabis is illegal in Ukraine. However, there are some exceptions, and there have been moves toward medical cannabis legalization.

In 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal that legalized using three synthetic cannabinoids as medical treatments. These products contain THC and CBD. These are dronabinol, nabilone, and nabiximols. A prescription is required for any of these, and their uses are limited. There are strict prescription requirements that doctors must follow.

Multiple draft laws are also being considered that look at medical marijuana. These would allow medical marijuana to be prescribed by doctors.

This change would not be limited to the currently approved products, and many different medical conditions would be covered. The laws also allow the “circulation of cannabis plants” for medical purposes.

Therefore, medical cannabis and its products could be produced and distributed within Ukraine.

How Much Cannabis Can I Possess in Ukraine with an MMJ Card?

Currently, the country does not use MMJ cards. Only three types of synthetic cannabis products (dronabinol, nabilone, and nabiximols) are available.

A doctor can only prescribe them. These products contain CBD or THC and are legal to possess with a prescription.

How Do I Get Certified for Medical Cannabis in Ukraine?

You must get a prescription from your doctor to access dronabinol, nabilone, or nabiximols. This process can be very challenging due to strict restrictions on doctors. Additionally, the products are very costly.

These treatments are beneficial for a limited number of issues, including nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain.

The proposed changes to medical cannabis laws would make cannabis and various cannabis products available to manage around 50 conditions. These conditions may include mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Is Telemedicine Allowed for Medical Cannabis Consultations in Ukraine?

In general, Ukrainian legislation does not dictate situations in which telehealth can or cannot be used. Therefore, nothing directly prevents legal cannabis products from being prescribed via telemedicine.

That being said, doctors are given strict regulations around prescribing medical cannabis. Whether telemedicine may be up to the doctor’s discretion, and they may want to schedule an in-person appointment. It is best to contact your doctor or clinic.

Are There Any Employment Laws Protecting Medical Cannabis Cardholders in Ukraine?

There are not yet any specific employment protections related to medical cannabis use. With the draft laws that have been proposed, protections may be introduced in the future.

However, there are some general employee protections related to workplace drug testing. Generally, employees must give their employers consent for drug tests, except in specific scenarios.

For instance, employers are legally allowed to drug test drivers, as driving under the influence is a significant safety concern. If you are prescribed a medical cannabis product, it is best to speak to your doctor about safety concerns in the workplace.

What Are the Medical Cannabis Product Testing Requirements in Ukraine?

Currently, only three medical cannabis products are available in Ukraine. These products were developed by a U.K. pharmaceutical company and stringently tested before being released onto the market.

Is It Legal to Grow Cannabis in Ukraine?

Currently, cannabis cultivation is illegal in Ukraine for personal/recreational or medical purposes.

In terms of personal cultivation, it is illegal, but there is some leniency. The cultivation of 10 or fewer plants for personal use is classified as an administrative offense and is generally punished with a fine.

Where Is It Safe to Purchase Cannabis in Ukraine?

Currently, cannabis itself cannot be purchased for medical or recreational purposes. Limited medical cannabis products are only available via a doctor’s prescription and can be difficult to access and expensive. There are only a select number of conditions covered.

It is unsafe to purchase cannabis for recreational use, as this is illegal. There is no quality assurance, and you may face criminal or administrative charges.

Where Is It Safe to Consume Marijuana in Ukraine?

Currently, the only legal way to consume cannabis products in Ukraine is through prescription.

Products are either orally or nasally administered, so there is no restriction on where they can be consumed.

Otherwise, it is safest not to consume marijuana as it is currently illegal. You may face fines or charges, depending on the specific circumstances.