On June 11, in Vinnytsia, the inaugural distribution of medications derived from medical cannabis via electronic prescription was conducted. The recipients included a patient diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and two veterans suffering from chronic neuropathic pain and phantom pain following amputation. Medical professionals issued e-prescriptions for a medication containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, formulated as hard capsules, for each patient. The physician will subsequently modify the therapeutic regimen as required.
Consequently, individuals experiencing chronic severe pain now have enhanced access to contemporary pharmacotherapeutic treatments. This development represents the inaugural instance of implementing the mechanism for accessing these medications following the enactment of pertinent legislation and the completion of requisite regulatory protocols.
It is noteworthy that, in collaboration with the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control, a legislative proposal concerning the legalization of medical cannabis was formulated. Law No. 3528-IX was enacted in December 2023 and became effective in 2024. Pursuant to this legislation, the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control has been assigned expanded responsibilities for overseeing medical cannabis regulation.
In October 2024, the Electronic Information System for Accounting of Grown Cannabis Plants for Medical Purposes, including their movement, processed products, plant substances, and medicines derived from them at all stages of circulation, was inaugurated. The operational guidelines for this system, referred to as ESORC, were sanctioned by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 25.07.2024 No. 857. The ownership of the electronic system is the state, represented by the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control.
This entity also serves as the administrator and proprietor of the system's information. The ESORC meticulously records and regulates all activities related to medical cannabis, from the acquisition of seeds to the disposal of waste. Consequently, the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control plays a pivotal role in developing control mechanisms, issuing licenses, and ensuring the lawful distribution of medicines derived from medical cannabis.
The tangible outcome of the extensive collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the Committee on Public Health, Medical Care and Health Insurance, various governmental bodies, expert groups, and patient organizations, including the Ukrainian Association of Medical Cannabis Patients, is evident. The established framework is operational, enabling patients to receive treatment aligned with leading international standards.
At present, there are pharmacies in Ukraine that possess the requisite licenses to handle these medications, and it is anticipated that their numbers will incrementally increase. Concurrently, the government, through the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control, maintains rigorous oversight throughout all phases of the medication lifecycle—from manufacturing and importation to the final dispensation to patients.
Consequently, the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control oversees adherence to licensing conditions pertaining to the manufacturing, wholesale and retail distribution, and importation of pharmaceuticals, as well as the regulatory requirements governing the circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors.
Medicines derived from medical cannabis are accessible exclusively through an electronic prescription issued by a primary care physician or a specialist in medical care. The validity period for these prescriptions is limited to 10 days from the date of issuance.
To acquire medications derived from medical cannabis, please follow these steps:
- Consult a licensed healthcare provider. Upon determining medical necessity, the physician will issue an electronic prescription for the medication, detailing the form, dosage, and composition of active ingredients.
- Obtain prescription details. You will receive a notification on your mobile device containing the e-Prescription number and redemption code. In the absence of a mobile device, the physician will provide a printed information memo regarding the prescription.
- Contact a pharmacy. Information regarding the nearest pharmacy where such medications are available can be obtained by contacting the NHSU customer service center at 16-77.
- Procure the medication. At the pharmacy, present the e-Prescription number and the confirmation code received in the notification to the pharmacist.
Upon redemption of a prescription, a completed pharmaceutical or intra-pharmacy preparation is dispensed. In cases where the medicines requires formulation, the pharmacist will advise on the subsequent date for collection. During the follow-up visit, it is necessary to present the e-Prescription number along with the confirmation code.