Israeli authorities may be on the verge of approving exports for medical marijuana.
Israel is recognized as a pioneer in medical marijuana. From Professor Raphael Mechoulam’s groundbreaking research on cannabinoids in the 1960s to government’s approval of medical use in the 1990s, Israel has been leading the way for decades.
It appears Israel may be ready to continue their history of pushing the ball forward on medical marijuana. Key figures in charge of Israel’s finance and health laws have come out in support of exporting medical marijuana.
“We are leading a topic that is innovative in the world, and therefore it must be done with great care and responsibility while turning the issue into the highest professional and medical standards,” said Moshe Bar-Siman-Tov, Director-General of the Ministry of Health.
Minister of Finance Moshe Kahlon made a similar statement.
“Medical cannabis is an industry with significant economic potential for the State of Israel. It will strengthen Israeli agriculture, and particularly in the Arava region,” Kahlon recently told Israeli media.
There will be strict regulations in place if and when the exports start. For instance, exports will be made by the Ministry of Health directly or under close supervision. Exports will only be sent to countries that have legalized the medical use of marijuana. Growers will only be allowed to export if they have received the proper licensing from the Ministry of Health.
Of course, not everyone in the Israeli government is supportive of the potential exports.
“Promoting medical marijuana exports are irresponsible, unprofessional and unwise. The economic benefit does not justify the severe damages that could be caused by Israel becoming the flagship of cannabis export,” said Israel’s Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan.
Israel has a chance to set the stage for international marijuana trade. While there will be many against international exports, Israel has not buckled when taking controversial stances on medical marijuana previously.
