Israel will begin the exportation of medical marijuana abroad. The move comes after its government approved measures in June to make medical cannabis more easily accessible to over 23, 000 patients in Israel, Israel Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Thursday.
Israel could bring in over NIS 1 billion ($264 million) annually from the exportation of medical marijuana and create thousands of jobs in agriculture in the country.
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Israel would become one of the few countries in the world exporting medical cannabis beside the US. Hospitals and universities world wide are interested in importing cannabis for research purposes, while pharmaceutical companies are examining options for using cannabis as a source for relief.
The government approved a plan to ease restrictions on growing medical marijuana after it was proven that its use brings pain relief and can even extend lives in terminal illnesses such as cancer and AIDS. The Agriculture Ministry has set up specific areas for the research and trial of growing cannabis, a plant which has proven itself useful in the medical treatment of patients around the world, not just for getting high.
In order to make cannabis exports possible, cabinet approval will be required as well as Knesset legislation which would allow farmers to grow it, Yediot Ahronot said.
