Medical Cannabis in Ukraine: Security Requirements and Police Clearance for Licensing

Medical cannabis in Ukraine is a new market, but one that is highly promising and attractive for business. The industry is developing rapidly, and right now you have a unique opportunity to enter the niche while competitors are still only considering it.

However, behind this opportunity lies strict regulation. To legally run a business with medical cannabis, it is necessary to undergo a complex licensing process that includes meeting rigorous requirements for facilities, security, and strict coordination with the National Police of Ukraine.

It is precisely these technical and legal nuances that become the greatest challenge for businesses seeking to operate legally in this field. A lack of experience, mistakes in documentation, or failure to comply with technical standards can lead to lengthy delays or even license denials.

Therefore, if you are planning to engage in medical cannabis activities, prepare thoroughly in advance instead of wasting months on trial and error.

In this article, based on our practical experience, we will help you navigate the key stage of the process, preparing premises for operations and securing approval from the National Police of Ukraine. We will also explain how the team at Pravova Dopomoga law firm, by providing turnkey legal support, ensures the smooth launch of a medical cannabis business.

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Requirements for Premises Used in Medical Cannabis Operations

Premises where activities related to the cultivation, storage, and disposal of medical cannabis plants are carried out must comply with established technical and security requirements that ensure the substance remains controlled, secure, and protected from unauthorized access.

Key requirements for premises:

• Permanent structure. The activity must take place in dedicated premises within a permanent building, meaning a structure with a foundation and load-bearing elements designed for long-term use (30 years or more). The building must be solid and stable, constructed in accordance with building regulations. It is recommended to engage construction experts to verify compliance.
• Access system. The entrance door must be solid metal or wood, equipped with two mortise locks that are not self-locking. The door should fit tightly in the frame to prevent unauthorized access.
• Window protection. Windows must be secured from the inside with metal bars. Alternatively, decorative grilles or shutters may be used, but only with prior approval from the National Police, provided their strength is equivalent to that of metal structures. Glass blocks that let in light but cannot be opened are also acceptable. All windows must be fixed and non-opening.
• Walls. If the walls are not part of a permanent structure, metal bars at least 16 mm in diameter must be installed around the perimeter from floor to ceiling to reinforce security.
• Ventilation and fire safety. If cannabis sprouts are being dried, an exhaust system and drying equipment must be installed and approved by the Security Police.

Specialists must also develop a fire safety plan to prevent false alarms triggered by drying equipment. The facility must be equipped with an emergency button and a 24/7 video surveillance system.

• Security and surveillance. Under licensing requirements, the license holder must provide round-the-clock video monitoring and physical security of all premises where cannabis cultivation, storage, and processing take place.

Security is provided by the Security Police units on a contractual basis. The premises owner must grant the National Police and the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drug Control unrestricted access to the video surveillance systems.

These requirements are mandatory for obtaining a license to work with medical cannabis, so it is crucial to approach their implementation with the utmost attention and professionalism.

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Signing an Agreement with the Security Police

Before signing an agreement with a Security Police unit, a mandatory requirement for conducting operations, a number of preparatory steps must be taken to ensure the premises meet all security and technical requirements.

Preparation for signing an agreement with the security police:

• Contacting the security police with a premises plan. You must submit a detailed layout of the premises where the activity will take place, indicating entrances, windows, ventilation systems, and areas designated for the storage and processing of plants.
• Documentation for ventilation equipment. If exhaust systems, drying equipment, or other ventilation systems are used, you must provide documents confirming their technical specifications. This is essential because fire detectors often respond to ventilation activity, which requires adjustments to the fire safety plan.
• Development of a fire safety plan. A fire safety plan is developed in coordination with the Security Police, taking into account the specific features of the facility. This ensures that fire detectors do not trigger false alarms due to drying or ventilation equipment.
• Installation of security systems. The Security Police equip the premises with 24/7 video surveillance systems, emergency buttons, and other security control measures.

As noted earlier, the law requires that video surveillance be conducted 24/7 without interruption, and the National Police must have constant and unrestricted access to the surveillance system. This enables real-time monitoring of the facility’s operations and allows for prompt response to any violations or emergency situations.

Signing an Agreement

Once the premises have been fully equipped in accordance with requirements and the fire safety plan has been approved, the Security Police signs a contract for security services. Only after this can an official permit be issued for the safe operation of the facility, which is a necessary condition for continuing the licensing process.

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National Police Inspection: Procedure and Requirements

One of the next and most critical steps toward obtaining a license for activities involving medical cannabis is undergoing an inspection by the National Police and receiving official approval for the use of the facility or premises where such activities are planned. This approval confirms that the premises meet all safety requirements for handling narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors, including cannabis plants.

To undergo this inspection, you must submit an application to the appropriate police department along with a required set of documents. These must include:

• an excerpt from the order granting employees access to work with narcotic substances, specifying their personal details and job titles;
• a copy of the current contract with the Security Police;
• documents confirming the presence of security and fire alarm systems;
• copies of documents verifying ownership or lease of the premises;
• a copy of the legal entity’s charter clearly stating the relevant types of activities;
• a detailed floor plan of the premises indicating the specific areas where cannabis-related work will take place.

What the National Police Focuses On

During the inspection, the National Police primarily assess the physical security of the facility: the presence of a secure entrance door, metal bars on the windows, a functioning alarm system, and video surveillance equipment.

A fire safety plan, approved in advance, is also mandatory. It must account for all specific features of the premises, including ventilation systems, drying equipment, and other installations. All security and fire protection systems must be fully installed and tested at the time of inspection.

The police pay special attention to ensuring that the actual condition of the facility matches the submitted documentation, in particular, the correct designation of activity zones and the list of authorized personnel.

The overall timeframe for document review and inspection is up to 13 calendar days. If the outcome is positive, the National Police issue an official permit for the use of the facility or premises. This document is required for the subsequent issuance of a medical cannabis license.

Legal Assistance in Obtaining a Medical Cannabis License

Today, the medical cannabis market in Ukraine is still taking shape, making this the most opportune moment to act if you’re interested in entering the field. Delaying means losing time, resources, and competitive advantage. If you’re ready to move forward, we’re here to provide professional support.

Our team already has hands-on experience successfully handling cases involving the circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors, including preparations for entering the medical cannabis market. We understand how the system works from the inside and are ready to guide you through every step of the process.

Our legal team handles:

• situation analysis and strategic action planning;
• complete preparation of licensing documents;
• development of internal regulations, instructions, and orders;
• coordination with the Security Police;
• support during the National Police inspection;
• effective communication with the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control;
• consultations on compliance of the facility with technical standards;
• comprehensive end-to-end legal support up to the point of license issuance.

We not only help you properly prepare all documentation, but also deliver results without unnecessary delays, protecting your investment and ensuring your operations remain fully compliant with the law.

Contact us today to receive a personalized, clear action plan for your medical cannabis business.