Exploring Cannabis as a Treatment for Ukrainian War Veterans

In Ukraine, off-duty soldiers gather in a Kyiv apartment to smoke cannabis as a means to temporarily forget the traumas they have experienced. Cannabis is frowned upon in the military, even away from the front lines, and the soldiers choose to remain anonymous. One soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) shares that cannabis helps him sleep and relax. However, despite evidence of its benefits, medical research on cannabis is not yet available in Ukraine. The country's physical and psychological wounds from years of conflict have led to an epidemic of pain and trauma, with more than half of Ukrainians at risk of developing PTSD. The Forest Glade Centre for Psychological Health and Rehabilitation of Veterans near Kyiv offers various treatments, such as video games, acupuncture, physical therapy, and group counseling. However, the staff believes they need more tools and advocate for exploring cannabis, MDMA, and psychedelics for treating traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Many veterans are already self-medicating but need proper access to these substances. One soldier, Danylo Yevtukhov, shares his experience of using cannabis to soothe his burns and alleviate pain during the Russian siege of Chernihiv. Cannabis is known globally for its potential in pain relief and PTSD treatment, but Ukraine's laws prohibit its production and medical research. Professor Viktor Dosenko from the National Academy of Science expresses frustration over the lack of research in Ukraine due to legal restrictions. President Volodymyr Zelensky aims to change the law and supports legalizing cannabis-based medicine, allowing scientific research, and establishing controlled domestic production. However, a draft law on regulated medical cannabis industry faced challenges and did not modify cannabis's prohibited status, leading to confusion and concerns of potential corruption. While 70% of Ukrainians support the legalization of medical cannabis, the government remains divided, presenting an unclear path forward. Currently, self-medication remains the only option for those seeking relief from pain and trauma in Ukraine.