420 with CNW — Ukraine to End Cannabis Prohibiti
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Ukrainian members of parliament (MPs) have unanimously approved a measure to legalize marijuana, aiming to provide relief for war veterans struggling with physical and psychological trauma. The proposed bill, which permits the medical use of cannabis, effortlessly passed its initial reading, garnering support from 268 out of 344 legislators. Prior to becoming law, it must undergo a second reading in parliament and obtain the signature of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The significant backing for medical cannabis marks a notable shift in attitudes toward the substance since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In 2021, a similar bill faced resounding defeat. Today, cannabis is recognized as a viable alternative to traditional prescription drugs for treating the extensive physical and mental injuries endured by thousands of civilians and soldiers during the war. Tymofiy Mylovanov, the director of the Kyiv School of Economics and an advisor to President Zelensky, affirmed, “Both veterans and the wounded rely on marijuana, and the legislature aims to legalize its usage.”
While Ukraine does not publicly disclose its casualty figures, estimates suggest they are lower than the estimated 200,000 Russian soldiers who have been injured or killed. Leaked U.S. intelligence documents in April indicated that by February, Ukraine had experienced between 124,500 and 131,000 casualties, with up to 17,500 fatalities.
According to a report released by the WHO in February, approximately 25% of the Ukrainian population and 60% of its soldiers may be suffering from PTSD or depression due to the war. Furthermore, the report highlighted the sidelining of mental-health services in favor of bolstering trauma unit capacities.
Advocates for medical-marijuana legalization assert that cannabis can alleviate pain and symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often offering a safer alternative to prescription opioids. President Zelensky has expressed support for the legalization of medical marijuana. Leading up to the vote, numerous prominent Ukrainians also voiced their endorsement of the legislation.
Yanina Sokolova, a television presenter, shared a photograph on her Facebook page depicting a Ukrainian soldier lying in a hospital bed following an injury caused by a Russian landmine. The explosion had partially severed his left leg, ultimately leading to a complete amputation. “He experiences excruciating pain constantly, 24/7. It’s unbearable,” Sokolova reported.
In light of such circumstances, Sokolova continued: “I can identify numerous groups of patients experiencing various painful symptoms. They all urgently require medical marijuana.”
Across the globe, the legalization of medical marijuana has been steadily gaining traction, with the United Kingdom permitting its prescription by doctors in 2018.
The medical use of marijuana is on the rise around the world. This could be the reason why we are seeing more enterprises such as IGC Pharma Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) taking steps to develop pharmacy-grade formulations from THC and other cannabinoids so that patients can have marijuana medicines that they can obtain through doctor prescriptions in the healthcare system.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to IGC Pharma Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/IGC
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