and that cannabis can help achieve that goal

• On July 13, 2021, the Ukrainian parliament passed the first reading of a bill that aims to legalize medical cannabis for patients with certain conditions, such as cancer, epilepsy, and PTSD. The bill would create a legal domestic industry for medical cannabis and allow doctors to prescribe it. However, the bill still faces some challenges and opposition before it becomes law¹².
• The legalization of medical cannabis is seen as a vital step to help millions of Ukrainians who suffer from physical and psychological trauma caused by the ongoing war with Russia. According to the health ministry, 57% of Ukrainians are at risk of developing PTSD due to the war. Many veterans and civilians are already using cannabis illegally to cope with their pain and symptoms¹²³.
• The legalization of medical cannabis is also supported by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who has promised to reform the country’s drug policy and reduce the stigma and criminalization of drug users. Zelenskiy has said that he wants to make Ukraine a “country of happy people” and that cannabis can help achieve that goal²⁴.
• However, the legalization of medical cannabis is still opposed by some conservative and religious groups, who argue that it will lead to increased drug abuse and social problems. They also claim that cannabis has no proven medical benefits and that it is a gateway drug to harder substances²⁵.
• The legalization of medical cannabis is also complicated by the fact that cannabis is still illegal under federal law in Ukraine, and that the country depends on international aid and loans from institutions that have strict anti-drug policies. Some experts warn that legalizing medical cannabis could jeopardize Ukraine’s relations with its allies and creditors²⁵.

These are some of the main news about cannabis in Ukraine that I found from the web search results. If you want to learn more about them or other related topics, you can visit the web search results .

Learn more:

1. bbc.co.uk2. weedworthy.com3. metro.co.uk4. politico.eu5. telegraph.co.uk+1 more

According to the web search results, there is no clear answer to who supplies Ukraine with cannabis, as the cultivation, transportation, and bulk possession of cannabis are still illegal and criminal offenses in the country. However, some possible sources of cannabis supply in Ukraine are:

• Underground producers: These are people who grow cannabis illegally in hidden locations, such as basements, attics, or greenhouses. They supply the cannabis to the coffee shops, where people can buy and consume small amounts of cannabis legally. However, the police can raid and confiscate the crops and equipment of the underground producers at any time¹².
• Neighboring countries: These are countries that border Ukraine and have more lenient or legal cannabis policies, such as Poland, Romania, Moldova, Belarus, or Russia. Some people may smuggle cannabis across the border and sell it in Ukraine. However, this is also risky and punishable by law³.
• Medical imports: These are cannabis-based products that are imported legally for medical purposes, such as Sativex, a spray that contains THC and CBD, the main active ingredients in cannabis. Sativex is produced by GW Pharmaceuticals, a UK-based company that has a 22% stake from Capital Group, where Theresa May’s husband works. Sativex is used to treat spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, medical cannabis is only available for a limited number of patients with a doctor’s prescription and a special permit²⁴.

Learn more:

1. politico.eu2. bbc.co.uk3. en.wikipedia.org4. forbes.com

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or sexual assault. People suffering from PTSD often deal with intense flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and other severe emotional distress. A significant body of research suggests that cannabis may be beneficial for individuals suffering from PTSD. Cannabis contains many active compounds, but two of these, cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have shown significant potential for treating PTSD symptoms. The cannabinoids in cannabis can interact with the endocannabinoid system in the brain, which plays a vital role in maintaining emotional homeostasis and in processing memories, two areas that are significantly disrupted in cases of PTSD. Several studies indicate that individuals with PTSD have an endocannabinoid deficiency, which cannabis can help to correct, thereby reducing symptoms. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can help alleviate symptoms associated with PTSD, such as anxiety, insomnia, and nightmares. On the other hand, CBD is known for its antipsychotic and anti-anxiety properties, which can help to decrease anxiety and improve sleep. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that PTSD patients who used cannabis experienced a significant reduction in their symptoms compared to non-users. Another study published in the Journal of Dual Diagnosis found that PTSD symptoms decreased by more than 75% in patients who used cannabis. However, it’s important to note that while cannabis may have potential benefits for PTSD sufferers, it doesn’t come without risks. Long-term cannabis use can lead to dependency and has been linked to other mental health problems, including psychosis and bipolar disorder. Additionally, the THC in cannabis can cause side effects like increased heart rate, coordination problems, dry mouth, red eyes, slower reaction times, and memory loss. Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals considering cannabis for PTSD treatment to discuss it fully with their healthcare provider or a mental health professional experienced in cannabis therapeutics, to understand the potential benefits versus the possible risks. Furthermore, more extensive, controlled studies are needed to better understand the potential of cannabis as a treatment for PTSD.