Israel Simplifies Medical Cannabis Treatment Process for Patients with Specific Conditions

The medical cannabis reform in Israel has been designed to simplify the treatment process for patients with certain conditions while maintaining patient safety. Under the new regulations, only a prescription will be required for ten specific indications, including oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s Syndrome, AIDS patients, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, dementia and terminally ill patients. In cases of PTSD, pain and other medical conditions, a license will also be required along with a prescription that will be issued through the health fund.

According to Eli Cohen, CEO of Klalit Health Services, Israel is among the leading countries in regulating the treatment of medical cannabis. The aim of the reform is to ease existing regulations while maintaining patient health and safety. Preparations have been made for the implementation of the reform through Moore, which will coordinate and manage the entire process for patients. Mor will serve as a single address that will centralize treatment-related issuance of prescriptions or licenses. This move aims to make it easier for Klalit’s patients who make up about half of all medical cannabis license holders in Israel.

From the moment a patient receives a recommendation from a specialist for medical cannabis treatment, they can submit an application in the digital system established by Moore. Upon submission, it is forwarded for processing with a commitment to quick response times within five days. Holders of valid licenses who wish to switch from doctor-prescribed cannabis to prescription route can do so as of April 1st or when their license expires. The Ministry of Health has stated that the cost for issuing a prescription will be 180 NIS and 360 NIS for issuing a license.