Israel: resumption of medical cannabis exports and opening of national pilot program

Big week for Israel and medical cannabis. After a few months of «I'm going, I'm not going», Israel has agreed to export some of its medical cannabis.

Export project suspended last month following an alleged phone call from Donald Trump to Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli cannabis companies then threatened to relocate their business elsewhere.

«The government is missing a huge opportunity to become the world leader in cannabis,» Saul Kaye, CEO of CannaTech, had said. «It's a mature, robust, R&D-focused market that's looking to go global. If the government doesn't go for it, we'll all go to work in Slovenia.»

Medical cannabis exports could bring in between $ 285 million and 1.14 billion according to estimates from the Israeli government. Some 400 companies have already applied for a cannabis production license.

Interior Minister Gilad Erdan has finally agreed to re-authorize exports, a decision that is expected to go before the government in the coming days.

In agreement with the Ministry of Finance, additional funds will also be released to regulate cannabis exports.

Medical cannabis distribution pilot program begins

On a national level, Israel will open its medical cannabis pilot program next Thursday. 20 pharmacies will be able to dispense medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis was already legal in Israel, but obtaining a prescription was traditionally a long and complex process. It required a doctor's prescription and the approval of a special committee. People with a prescription could only buy cannabis in specific dispensaries.

Under the new law, all Israeli doctors will be able to prescribe cannabis-based medication, which will be sold in ordinary pharmacies.

The Ministry of Health will act as the regulatory body for the cannabis sector, overseeing growers, processing plants, distributors and pharmacies. Cannabis is expected to be subject to the same rules as other pharmaceutical products, notably on labeling, shelf life and concentration of active ingredients. If successful, Israel could become the first country to standardize products containing medical cannabis.