The Cannabis Community in Ukraine is Fighting Back Against Russian Invasion

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine now in its second month, the Ukrainian people have demonstrated their resolve to preserve their country free and independent on several occasions. Ukraine's military and civilian soldiers fighting with them continue to prevent the invasion from reaching Kyiv, while the Russian aggressors announced a shift in strategy last week in the face of rising losses.

The unjustified war has taken its toll on the people of Ukraine, despite their bravery and endurance in the face of a considerably greater force. The south-eastern city of Mariupol, as well as other towns, has been left in ruins, and the United Nations believes that 4 million Ukrainians have fled the nation. Many of those who remain are confronting an increasingly dire humanitarian situation.

Ukrainians from all walks of life, including members of the country's cannabis culture, are resisting the Russian invasion. Although cannabis is illegal for both recreational and medical use, it has been decriminalized for the consumption and cultivation of up to ten plants. As a result, Ukraine has a thriving underground cannabis society, as well as a growing number of activists pushing for the repeal of prohibition. The UK approved the cannabinoid medications nabilone, nabiximol, and dronabinol last year, which were minor victories.

Cannabis Stands with Ukraine

Since 2005, one organization, Freedom March, has advocated for progressive drug policy, leading rallies in support of cannabis legalization in Ukraine and supporting the rights of medicinal cannabis users. Nazarii Sovsun, a member of the Freedom March, claims that the majority of the group's activists are active in some way in the opposition against the Russian invasion. Some people have taken up arms and gone to the front lines to confront the aggressors. Others are assisting government logistics in delivering humanitarian aid to cities under Russian fire. Unfortunately, one of the group's activists was seriously injured and is undergoing medical treatment. Even those living in the western side of the country, far from the most severe conflict, cannot feel secure during the outgoing conflict.

"Russian rockets can reach every region of our country, and air raid sirens have become a daily occurrence for us all," Sovsun wrote in an email from the war-torn country. "We are in an unusual scenario, and it is difficult to predict what will happen next."

To aid their compatriots, Freedom March has created a fundraising effort called Cannabis Stands with Ukraine to buy weed online with credit card UK, which is soliciting donations from the global cannabis industry as well as freedom supporters worldwide. According to wire transfer documentation and invoices provided by Sovsun, donations to Freedom March will support the cause in conjunction with the Kyiv School of Economics Charitable Foundation, which has already purchased nearly $300,000 worth of emergency medical supplies for delivery to the region.

With the monies earned by the campaign, the Freedom March has identified two causes to help. The Russian invasion has taken its toll on Ukraine's most vulnerable populations, as it has in any battle. The youngsters who have become victims of Russia's hostility are the group's main focus.

Sovsun notes, "According to officials, at least 145 children have been killed and 222 injured since the fighting began." "Thousands of youngsters have been separated from their parents. We will use the cash raised to provide shelter, food, and physical and mental recovery for those youngsters."

Second, the fundraiser will benefit the people who have been at the center of the Freedom March: Ukraine's medicinal cannabis patients. Many standard drugs are running out of stock, making it even more difficult to provide cannabis to people who need it. Members of Freedom March are assisting the nation's medicinal cannabis community on various fronts to help alleviate the shortages.

"We're working together with our friends in the local community to find a means to bring CBD-based medication to those who need it most: epileptic patients and wounded warriors in particular," adds Sovsun. "Hopefully, this war will make it clear to our lawmakers that people should be able to obtain medical cannabis, therefore we're also working on the legal front."

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The Cannabis Community in Ukraine is Fighting Back Against Russian Invasion

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