The global market for cannabis-based medicinal products is developing rapidly. At the same time, approaches to its regulation differ significantly across countries.
Such fragmentation complicates the conduct of clinical trials, restrains innovation and limits patients' access to treatment, creating additional challenges for both regulators and the market.
In this context, international platforms that promote harmonisation of approaches and exchange of experience take on particular importance.
This role is played by the International Summit on Regulation of the Medical Cannabis Market, which took place in London a few days ago and brought together representatives of regulatory authorities, governments, the expert community, patient organisations, researchers and industry from various countries around the world.
The event was attended by a delegation of the State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine headed by Director Edem Adamov.
For Ukraine, the formation of a transparent and controlled model for regulating medical cannabis, effective control of circulation, and compliance with quality and safety standards are key conditions for ensuring patients' access to the necessary therapy.
"For Ukraine, it is important to build a regulatory model based on international experience while also taking into account the national context. This concerns creating conditions under which patients will have access to safe and quality treatment exactly where it is truly needed," noted Director of the State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine Edem Adamanov.
The summit program included panel discussions and workshops. Among the key topics:
- Transition from fragmented regulatory practices to a coordinated international regulatory model (within the framework of the Cannabis Medicines Regulatory Accord (CMRA) initiative)
- Strengthening global policy coordination and countering disinformation
- Analysis of changes in regulatory approaches that have occurred over the past year, exchange of experience between countries
- Development of medical cannabis through innovation, clinical education, and increasing physicians' readiness to use the relevant therapy
- Formation of stable regulatory systems: minimizing legal risks, improving enforcement mechanisms, harmonization of regulation.
During the closed session for regulators and legislators, particular attention was paid to the practical aspects of policy implementation, risk management and the use of the evidence base, taking into account Canada's experience.
Within the workshops, the issues of developing standards and accountability mechanisms as the foundation of effective regulation were also considered.
The knowledge and insights gained during the summit will be taken into account in further work on developing the system of regulation of medical cannabis in Ukraine.
The integration of European experience is considered a practical tool for building an effective and balanced regulatory model.
