The Israeli Ministry of Health (“MOH“) has since 2016 been implementing a precedential and revolutionary reform regarding medical cannabis, which regulates all phases of the medical cannabis process, starting from cultivation and up to the sale of medical cannabis products by licensed pharmacists (the “Reform“). See our previous legal update on the matter.

Earlier this week, on January 27, 2019, following the approval of the Israeli parliament last month, the Israeli government approved the export of medical cannabis from Israel. The Israeli government noted that this approval was granted due to the widespread global recognition of the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant, due to the potential global market for medical cannabis that may have a significant commercial potential for Israeli farmers, manufacturers and exporters, and in light of Israel’s substantial advantage in the field.

the Israeli government noted that, in light of the fact that the medical cannabis export approval is expected to significantly increase the number of people engaged in this field, the impact of this decision will be monitored in order to ensure public interests.

The medical cannabis export will begin officially following a process of adapting the various bureaucratic procedures, such as sampling and customs issues. This is another important step in the Reform of medicalization of cannabis in Israel.

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