Israeli government approves guidelines for medical cannabis

Haaretz, by Ariela Bankier, 07-08-2011

Cabinet agrees on arrangements and supervision of marijuana supply in medical centers and for research; 6,000 people in Israel currently treated with medical cannabis.

The Israeli government approved on Sunday arrangements and supervision regarding the supply of cannabis for medical and research purposes.

A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's media adviser said "the Health Ministry will – in coordination with the Israel Police and the Israel Anti-Drug Authority – oversee the foregoing and will also be responsible for supplies from imports and local cultivation."

Of approximately 6,000 Israelis currently being treated with medical cannabis (aka medical marijuana), most suffer from chronic pain and terminal illnesses. The therapeutic potential of cannabis has been known for many years and is recognized by the Health Ministry.

But many patients – such as sexual assault victims suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who have been recommended psychiatric treatment with medical cannabis - encounter bureaucratic obstacles.

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