Israel Expands Access to Medical Cannabis, Eases Licensing Requirements

Israel's Knesset Health Committee has approved a significant expansion of access to medical cannabis, removing the requirement for a special license for many patients. This decision, made in early June, aims to simplify the process for patients suffering from various medical conditions to obtain cannabis as part of their treatment

The reform, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, will allow patients with conditions such as epilepsy, Crohn's disease, dementia, autism, cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, and those in palliative care to receive cannabis prescriptions from trained physicians. This transition from a license-based system to a prescription-based one is set to take effect in six months, pending necessary preparations by the authorities

Previously, patients with cancer or undergoing active cancer treatments needed a special permit to access medical cannabis. The new regulation eliminates this hurdle, allowing more seamless access to cannabis for symptom relief and side-effect management. Currently, around 100,000 patients in Israel hold medical cannabis licenses, primarily for chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorders

Uriel Busso, a Knesset member and chairman of the health committee, emphasized the reform's focus on patient welfare, aiming to alleviate pain, enhance accessibility, and reduce costs while addressing concerns about potential misuse. He acknowledged that this reform is a first step, with further conditions requiring attention and treatment

This regulatory shift signals a broader trend in Israel towards integrating medical cannabis into mainstream healthcare. As the country prepares for these changes, there is hope that the reform will lead to improved patient outcomes and set a precedent for other nations considering similar adjustments