This DUNews video is dedicated to three key topics that today determine the future of Ukrainian drug policy and the healthcare system: the use of psychoactive substances in the treatment of various conditions, the full-fledged legalization of medical cannabis and the introduction of national standards, as well as the revision of Order No. 188 on minimum dosages of psychoactive substances based on European recommendations.
The heroes of this video are those who, year after year, are fighting for the human face of the healthcare system and drug policy: Dima Sherembey, head of the Coordinating Council of 100% Life, and Konstantin Lezhentsev, consultant on drug policy and mental health at 100% Life.
Experts explain why access to pain relief and cannabis-based drugs is a matter of human dignity, what standards Ukraine is preparing for working with cannabinoids, and how the current repressive drug policy creates conditions for corruption, violates people’s rights, and does not actually solve any problems related to the use of these substances.
The video also raises the issue of the real cost of criminal prosecution for “nominal” doses, shows data on tens of thousands of cases that cost the state huge sums every year, and highlights the need to adapt Ukrainian legislation to European practices.
A separate part of the video is devoted to mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and modern scientifically proven methods of using psychedelic drugs, which are already undergoing clinical trials in the world and demonstrate effectiveness in the treatment of severe conditions.
At the center of all these issues is the human being, his right to help, to be treated humanely, and to have access to technologies that can improve the quality of life. This is a story about the human right to help. For respect. To move on, without hiding, without being ashamed, and without fighting the system. Striving for European integration, Ukraine can and should have a human, scientific and mature face in the field of drug policy and medicine. And this video is about how the country is moving towards this.
Igor Kuzmenko
