Visit Ukraine - Legalisation of medical cannabis in Ukraine: can I drive after taking it?

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27 Aug. 2024

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Legalisation of medical cannabis in Ukraine: can I drive after taking it?

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Legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes: can I drive?

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Legalisation of medical cannabis in Ukraine: can I drive after taking it?

Ukraine has recently legalised the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Find out more about whether you can drive after taking medical cannabis and what the consequences are for drivers who break the rules

Apply for a car insurance policy at Visit Ukraine - guaranteed protection on the road in just 5 minutes!

Apply for a car insurance policy at Visit Ukraine - guaranteed protection on the road in just 5 minutes!

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After lengthy discussions and consideration of various draft laws, Ukraine has made a significant step in the medical field by legalising medical cannabis. This decision opens up new opportunities to treat many diseases and improve the quality of life for patients. The article below explains the rules of driving for drivers who take cannabis for medical purposes.

Read more about the legalisation of medical cannabis and who will have access to the medicine in Ukraine here.

Legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes: can I drive?

In particular, the new law on the legalisation of medical marijuana provides for:

● the use of cannabinoids in medicine, research and industry;
● production of cannabis-based medicines for the treatment of various diseases;
● regulating the market and establishing clear rules for the production, distribution and use of medical cannabis;
● ensuring controlled access to cannabis-based medicines for those who need them.

However, can drivers drive after taking medical cannabis?

No, driving after using medical marijuana is strictly prohibited in Ukraine. Regardless of the fact that cannabis is prescribed by a doctor for medical treatment, it affects the driver's coordination, reaction and attention, which poses a significant risk to you and other road users:

● cannabinoids affect the central nervous system, which can lead to impaired concentration, slower reactions and distorted perception of reality;
● even small amounts of medical marijuana can affect coordination, making it difficult to drive;
● medical cannabis can cause a feeling of disorientation and impaired distance perception, which is very dangerous when driving;
● using medical marijuana before driving significantly increases the risk of getting into a road traffic accident.

Liability for driving after consuming medical cannabis is established by Article 130 of the Code of Administrative Offences of Ukraine ‘Driving vehicles or vessels by persons under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants or under the influence of drugs that reduce their attention and reaction time’.

According to the law, Ukrainian drivers who violate the rules and use medical cannabis while driving face a fine of UAH 17,000 or even a one-year driving ban.

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A reminder for Ukrainian drivers!

An insurance policy is required for every vehicle in the country.

Motor Third Party Liability Insurance (MTPL) is a compulsory vehicle insurance policy in Ukraine that guarantees compensation for damages in the event of an accident. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can buy a CTP insurance policy from a licensed insurer for reliable protection on Ukrainian roads. Packages with a deductible of UAH 3200, UAH 1600 and UAH 0 are available.

Just a reminder. The procedure for testing drivers for alcohol and illegal substances has recently undergone changes. Read here to find out how Ukraine will conduct tests for alcohol and drug use by drivers in 2024.

Photo: Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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Do you have additional questions? Contact the Visit Ukraine hotline (Telegram | WhatsApp).

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Frequantly

asked questions

Can the police test a driver for alcohol and drugs at the place of the stop?

Police officers can stop and test a driver with signs of intoxication for alcohol or drugs at any time of the day using certified blood alcohol content devices and rapid drug tests. For transparency and confirmation of the legality of the tests, the presence of two witnesses or video recording is mandatory.

What is the penalty for speeding on Ukrainian roads?

How do I pay a fine for a traffic violation?

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VisitUkraine.Today is a service portal for tourists traveling to Ukraine and Ukrainians planning a trip abroad.

On the portal you can order the following products/services:
• medical insurance for entry into Ukraine with coverage of military risks;
• travel and health insurance for leaving the country;
• legal advice (professional legal support on visa and migration issues);
• Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad

To order, you need to fill out an electronic form and make a payment, after which the finished insurance document will be sent to the specified e-mail within 30 minutes.

The website also contains the necessary and most up-to-date information on:
• rules of crossing the Ukrainian border by foreign citizens;
• rules of entry of Ukrainians to 200 countries of the world for tourism, work (business), study or immigration purposes;
• visa information.

All information on the website is updated daily and is available in three languages - Ukrainian, English and Russian.

Customer support (English speaking) is available - online chats (around the clock) and a call center (08:00-21:00 Kyiv time) - if you need clarification of the information provided or prompt assistance in resolving problems and misunderstandings related to ordering.

The portal was developed by the Ukrainian organization Visit Ukraine.
VisitUkraine is a public union that, since 2018, has been engaged in the promotion and popularization of Ukrainian tourism on the domestic and foreign markets, but the war made its adjustments. Now we are working on the information front.

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FAQ

- - What COVID documents do I need to have with me when entering Ukraine now?
    On July 1, 2023, the Ukrainian authorities lifted the quarantine and other restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From now on, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result or wear a protective mask to enter Ukraine.
  - Is it safe to visit Ukraine during the war?
    Recently, the number of foreign travelers has increased in Ukraine. They visit the country for various purposes: volunteering, participating in humanitarian programs, filming reports or documentaries, setting up a business, etc. There are currently no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe. And although the main fighting is concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the entire country is subject to regular rocket attacks.
  - What are your safety recommendations before traveling to Ukraine?
    Here are some important tips:
    • Make electronic copies of all documents and save them on your electronic device so that you always have access to them.
    • Find out in advance the curfew time in the region where you are going.
    • Install the Air Alert app on your smartphone and, upon receiving the signal, immediately go to the nearest shelter. You should also do the same if you hear the corresponding signal on the street.
    • When choosing a hotel, consider the availability of bomb shelters.
    • Inform your family and friends about your route and keep in touch with them.
    • Take out health insurance with extended coverage.
    Do foreigners need to register their stay in Ukraine?
    No, if the period of stay in the country is no more than 90 days. If a foreigner arrives for a period longer than 90 days, in this case, he or she needs a temporary or permanent residence permit, as well as registration at the place of residence.
    Can I enter Ukraine with an expired residence permit?
    Yes. Foreigners (except for citizens of the Russian Federation) and stateless persons have the right to enter and legally stay in Ukraine if they have a temporary or permanent residence permit that has expired or is subject to exchange after February 24, 2022.
    How to enter Ukraine with pets?
    Currently, entry to Ukraine with pets is subject to a simplified procedure. Pet owners must provide the following documents to customs:
    • a veterinary passport of the European standard or a certificate of animal health;
    • proof of valid rabies vaccination;
    • a document on the animal's chipping.
    How do I enter Ukraine with my own car with foreign registration?
    Foreign citizens can import cars with foreign license plates into the territory of Ukraine exclusively for their own use. To cross the border in a car with foreign registration, you need the following documents:
    • foreign passport;
    • driver's license;
    • certificate of registration for the car with valid insurance;
    • international automobile insurance card "Green Card".
    Important: foreign nationals with a residence permit in Ukraine may import a car with foreign license plates for their own use after a written declaration and payment of customs duties.
    What happens to foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine?
    Foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine, when attempting to enter Ukraine at a checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine, do not cross the state border of Ukraine and return as soon as possible to the state from which they came or to the state that issued their passport document. If it is not possible to return a foreigner or stateless person immediately, they stay at the checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine until their return.
    What should I do if I have been banned from entering Ukraine?
    If you become aware of a ban on entry to Ukraine while trying to pass passport control at the border of Ukraine, you should politely ask for a decision to refuse to cross the border, indicating the specific reason for the entry ban. You can appeal the decision to deny entry within 30 days from the date of familiarization with it. It is strictly forbidden to argue with border guards or violate the rules of stay at the checkpoint, otherwise you may be held administratively liable. You should remember the rules of staying at the checkpoint.
  Insurance policy
  Is insurance required to enter Ukraine?
  All foreign citizens are required to have an insurance policy covering the costs of Covid-19 treatment in Ukraine.
  For how long do I have to take out an insurance policy?
  According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1236, an insurance policy must be issued for the entire period of stay in Ukraine. The minimum period is not specified.
  Where can I get acquainted with the terms of the insurance contract?
  You can familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the insurance contract on our website in the section on insurance policy issuance.
  Is it necessary to buy an insurance policy for children?
  Yes, if a child has foreign citizenship, regardless of age, he or she must have an insurance policy for the entire period of stay in Ukraine.
  I am a foreign citizen, can I buy a policy in Ukraine?
  No, the insurance policy must be presented at the border control.
  What is war risk insurance and what war risks does it cover?
  This policy guarantees monetary compensation in the event of an accident as a result of military operations, passive military risks, terrorist acts, including emergency care, outpatient treatment, hospitalization and repatriation of the insured person (or his/her body in case of death) from the place of stay to the place of his/her permanent residence.
  Who can take out insurance?
  The insurance policy applies to foreign nationals, citizens of another state and stateless persons. There are no age restrictions: minors and people over 70 can buy insurance. In addition, insurance is mandatory for journalists, reporters, correspondents, opinion leaders, and media representatives. This is enshrined in the Law of Ukraine on Insurance (Article 7).
  What is the territory covered by the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance policy is valid on the territory of Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as the territories of direct combat operations (front line).
  Are there any restrictions on the validity period of the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance contract comes into force from the moment the insurance premium is paid in full, but not before the date and time of crossing the state border of Ukraine. You choose the duration of the insurance - it depends on the number of days of your stay in Ukraine.
  I can't pay for the insurance, what should I do?
  If your payment fails, we recommend contacting your bank, as they often do not trust payment systems. You need to confirm that it is you who is making the transaction.
  I have taken out insurance, but I have not received a code. What should I do?
  In this case, we advise you to reload the page, clear the cache, change the language on the page, or use a different browser.
  What should I do if the policy does not arrive at the specified mail for more than 30 minutes?
  Please contact the hotline and provide the data that was specified when applying for insurance.
  Do I need to print out the electronic policy?
  You do not need to print out the electronic insurance policy. It is enough to save it to your phone or tablet to always have access to the document and present it to border control representatives.
  What should I do if I have purchased a policy but my trip is canceled?
  Please inform the portal hotline about the reasons for the trip cancellation and we will be happy to reschedule the dates for you.
  What should I do if I provided incorrect data when applying for an insurance policy?
  You can always contact the portal hotline and we will make the necessary changes to the insurance policy free of charge and promptly.