Ukraine legalizes medical marijuanna to help deal with post-traumtic stress from war

Ukrainian lawmakers on December 21 approved in a second and final reading a bill to legalize medical marijuana as the war with Russia left thousands of people with post-traumatic stress disorder that many believe could be eased by the drug.

According to Radio Liberty, the law was proposed by Prime Minister Denys Smyhal.

The initiative to legalize medical marijuana has long been debated in Ukraine. Many people argued in favor of the benefits the treatment can bring, while others feared legalizing medical marijuana would lead to an influx of drugs on the streets of Ukrainian cities.

The bill would create a national medical marijuana program to provide access to patients with conditions such as cancer or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from war.

The legislation, which was supported by the National Security and Defense Council and the Veterans Ministry, will take effect in six months.