As Ukraine takes its first steps towards legalising medical cannabis, a veritable "green revolution" is unfolding across the pond.

A new study published in The Economist reveals striking changes in psychoactive substance consumption in the US, which could have far-reaching consequences for our country as well.

America Goes Green

Picture this: one in six American adults has used marijuana at least once a month. That’s approximately 16.7% of the US population. But the real shocker is another figure: nearly 11 million Americans, or 5% of the adult population, used cannabis daily.

“We’re witnessing an unprecedented shift in the culture of psychoactive substance consumption,” comments Jonathan Caulkins from Carnegie Mellon University.

According to his estimates, in 2022, the number of daily cannabis users surpassed the number of daily alcohol consumers for the first time.

This trend is particularly noticeable in states where cannabis has been legalised. Before legalisation, only one in ten cannabis users consumed it daily. Now it’s one in five.

Alcohol vs Cannabis: An Uneven Battle?

At first glance, alcohol still leads: two-thirds of Americans consumed alcohol in the past year, compared to one-fifth who used marijuana. But there’s one key factor: safety.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol claims the lives of nearly 180,000 Americans annually. In contrast, mortality from marijuana use is practically nil. The main danger is only associated with driving under its influence.

It’s important to note that the risk of addiction exists for both substances. Approximately 10% of people who start using recreational cannabis become addicts. For alcohol, this figure is significantly higher, adding another argument to the debate about the relative safety of these substances.

This trend poses an important question for society and lawmakers. Isn’t it time to reconsider our attitude towards these substances? After all, the traditional view of alcohol as a “safer” alternative may prove to be mistaken in light of new data.

Not All Rosy

However, experts warn against excessive optimism. Studies show that regular cannabis users may develop schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders earlier. There are also risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Moreover, intense use can negatively affect memory, concentration, and motivation. “This can lead to lost opportunities in education and work,” warns Caulkins.

Survey data confirm these concerns: only 42% of daily marijuana users rate their health as “very good” or “excellent”, compared to 56% of those who use it less frequently.

What Does This Mean for Ukraine?

Ukraine recently passed a law on medical cannabis. And although this is only the first step, the American experience can be an important lesson for us.

Law of Ukraine No. 3528-IX, which came into force on 16 February 2024, legalises the use of medical cannabis. However, it’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean the free sale of marijuana. The law provides for a clear system of control and regulation.

Key provisions of the law include:

• Establishing a distinction between hemp for medical and industrial purposes.
• Ensuring a traceability system for each plant using an electronic identifier.
• Maintaining a register to record the movement and purchase of hemp-based medicines.
• A clear list of actions that require obtaining a licence.
• The possibility of purchasing medicines containing cannabis exclusively with an electronic prescription.

The law will come into effect on 16 August 2024, six months after its enactment.

According to the National LGBTI Consortium, potentially wider use of cannabis could lead to a reduction in problems associated with alcohol abuse, which is much more dangerous to health. However, we must be prepared for new challenges.

Among them is the need to develop clear rules regarding the use and distribution of cannabis, especially in the context of driving. Thorough research is needed on the long-term impact of cannabis on the health of Ukrainians in the post-war period.

Economists also draw attention to potential economic consequences. The development of a legal cannabis industry could create new jobs and increase tax revenues. But there are risks: data from the US show that daily marijuana users are more likely to miss work and earn slightly less on average.

It’s important to note that medical cannabis has a wide range of applications. It can be beneficial in treating chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many other conditions. This could be particularly relevant for war veterans and civilians who have experienced traumatic events.

So, whilst supporting ideas of liberalising legislation inherited from the “Soviets”, we emphasise that this issue needs to be approached carefully.

Ultimately, the American experience shows that changes in legislation can lead to fundamental shifts in society. And Ukraine, it seems, stands on the threshold of its own “green revolution”. But unlike the US, our path begins with medical use, giving us the opportunity to avoid many mistakes and carefully prepare for possible challenges.