LEGAL REGULATION OF MEDICAL CANNABIS IN UKRAINE: ANALYSIS OF LAW NO. 3528-XI AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The article thoroughly discusses the issues of decriminalization of medical cannabis in Ukraine, taking into account current national and international legislation. The main topic is the legal and social aspects of the introduction of the use of cannabis-based medicines, which became possible after the adoption of Law of Ukraine No. 3528-XI of December 21, 2023. The author analyzes the changes to the legal regulation of the circulation of cannabis and its derivatives for medical purposes, as well as the possible consequences of these changes for national law enforcement practice. In particular, the article addresses specific issues related to ensuring the quality and safety of cannabis-based medicines, requirements for their production, circulation and control. Particular attention is paid to the risks of misuse of medicines in case of insufficient control by the state, which may lead to their entry into the illegal market or misuse. This is particularly relevant in the context of the need to strengthen infrastructure and introduce modern regulatory mechanisms. The author also compares the legislative experience of countries where medical cannabis is already actively used in medical practice, such as the United States, Canada, Israel, and Germany. Comparison of these countries’ approaches to controlling the cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis allows us to assess the possibility of implementing similar models in Ukraine. The author also considers social and economic risks, including the possibility of an increase in the shadow market, corruption threats, insufficient training of medical personnel to work with cannabis-based drugs, and conflicts with international treaties regulating the circulation of narcotic drugs. The author emphasizes the need for a broad educational campaign for doctors, pharmacists, and society in general to avoid misconceptions about medical cannabis and minimize the risks of abuse. Prospects for further research include the development of reliable mechanisms for state control over the quality of drugs, an effective system of certification of manufacturers, as well as the improvement of legal instruments to ensure compliance with the standards of medical cannabis-based treatment. The author also emphasizes the importance of monitoring the impact of new regulations on society in order to identify problematic issues in a timely manner and adapt legislation to new challenges.