Israel Overhauls Medical Cannabis Regulations in Comprehensive Reform

The Israeli Health Ministry has introduced a significant “comprehensive reform” to overhaul the regulations surrounding medical cannabis. With around 100,000 patients possessing licenses for medical cannabis use, the reform intends to simplify access for those grappling with ailments such as cancer, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, dementia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The proposed changes aim to streamline the medical cannabis industry by reducing regulations, enhancing production oversight, and granting more responsibilities to cannabis cultivators, reports The Jerusalem Post. One primary goal is to expedite research and innovation in the field. Researchers will now be allowed to prescribe cannabis to subjects, backed by a procedure to safeguard safe and effective usage.

The reform also intends to eliminate limitations on cannabis treatment as a last resort, a change expected to improve access without prior opioid-based treatments. Medical licenses can also be extended upon doctor recommendations. The definition of “dangerous drugs” and the role of CBD derived from the hemp plant are set to be redefined as part of the reform’s provisions.