Cannabis in Israel: Legal Status and Industry Overview
Israel has a complex relationship with cannabis, marked by a history of research, evolving legal frameworks, and a growing industry. The legal status of cannabis in Israel is nuanced, with medical use permitted for several decades and recreational use partially decriminalized.
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Medical Cannabis in Israel
The possession, use, and distribution of cannabis without a license are violations under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.[1] However, enforcement has become more lenient over time.[1]
Israeli scientists have been researching the properties and medical applications of cannabis since the 1960s.[1] Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem isolated THC from cannabis in 1964 and later discovered anandamide.[1] Medical cannabis has been legal since the 1990s for patients with cancer, pain-related illnesses, and PTSD.[1] Patients can smoke cannabis or ingest it sublingually via oil.[1]
The Israeli military has used THC for experimental treatment of PTSD in soldiers since 2004.[1] In 2012, there were about 10,000 registered patients using medical cannabis.[1] There are government-sanctioned cannabis growing operations that distribute medical cannabis to patients with a license and prescription.[1]
Import and Export
The Tikkun Olam Company has developed various cannabis strains and products, and is considered one of the leading medical cannabis suppliers in the world.[1] In 2017, the Israeli medical cannabis industry was reported to be worth "hundreds of millions of dollars," with research innovation backed by the Ministry of Health.[1] As of 2017, there were about 26,000 registered medical cannabis users, with the number expected to double by 2018.[1]
Since January 2020, Israel allows the importation of medical cannabis products from countries with a similar regulatory framework.[1] In 2022, Israel imported more than 33,000 kg of medical cannabis, mainly from Canada, Portugal, South Africa, and Lesotho, making it the largest importer of medical cannabis products in the world.[1] The Israeli Ministry of Health oversees all imports.[1]
Research and Innovation
In April 2017, Israel gave medical cannabis companies the green light to start exporting their products.[1] An inter-ministerial report said in August 2017 that exports could add four billion shekels to the Israeli economy.[1]
Military Use
Israel is considered a global leader in medical cannabis research and innovation.[1] Research and innovation in the area is supported by the Ministry of Health, and Israel is one of three countries in the world where cannabis research is sponsored by the government.[1] At least 15 US companies have moved their entire R&D operations onto Israeli soil.[1]
Legality and Decriminalization
Cannabis use is prohibited in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).[1] Since 2014, IDF members in reserve status are authorized to use medical cannabis.[1] Some soldiers have received prescriptions for cannabis to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[1]
Before March 6, 2017, cannabis for recreational purposes was illegal.[1] As of 2021, cannabis use has been fully decriminalized, with it being treated as an administrative infraction primarily when used in highly visible public places.[1] Citizens caught using cannabis in public may face fines of up to 1000 NIS for the first offense.[1]
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