Medical cannabis not grown in Ukraine yet, although 10 companies interested - Health Ministry

Hemp for medical cannabis is not yet grown in Ukraine, although it is possible.

Deputy Health Minister Maryna Slobodnichenko said this in an interview with the Ukrainian News Agency.

"Hemp for medical cannabis is not yet grown in Ukraine, although it is possible, but it is also not yet imported into Ukraine," she said.

Thus, according to her, medical cannabis is not produced in Ukraine, not because there is no regulation, but because the manufacturer does not enter the market.

"Why? Because they are probably looking at economic calculations and it takes time. We are waiting for drugs made of medicinal cannabis from manufacturers, the regulatory system is prepared," Slobodnichenko said.

She noted that, at the same time, the companies have appropriate licenses for cultivation and production.

"Maybe the business still needs some time to prepare. We held an explanatory meeting with the business on the regulation of medical cannabis. About 80 companies came. 10 companies showed interest in growing medical cannabis in Ukraine. Businesses may need to be given a little more time to start doing this. Because not so long ago, regulation and an electronic system started working. November-December of this year - we can already talk about something, I think. Perhaps by that time, someone will register a pharmaceutical ingredient and this will be a marker for us that the market has become more active," said the official of the Ministry of Health.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, the EU is ready to supply medical cannabis to Ukraine. The Ministry of Health has approved the list of diseases and conditions for which medical cannabis will be prescribed. On August 16, the law on the legalization of medical marijuana came into effect.