Public Use Of Medical Marijuana Now Allowed In Israel, With Exceptions
Image by Nikki Casey
By Naomi Zeveloff May 15, 2017
Israeli medical marijuana patients can now use the drug in public as an oil or a vapor, but still won’t be able to smoke it, per new Health Ministry guidelines, reported Haaretz.
The new guidelines are a significant departure from the old rules, which restricted medical marijuana patients to using the herb in their home, alone.
The Health Ministry changed its procedures after realizing that they were causing headaches for patients who moved or went on vacation and had to contact the ministry in order to keep using the drug.
There are some 30,000 medical marijuana patients in Israel.
With relatively lax regulations on studying the herb, Israel has become a world leader in medical marijuana research. The United States, by comparison, categorizes marijuana as a narcotic, making it difficult for scientists to study it.
In March Israel moved to decriminalize marijuana for recreational use.
Contact Naomi Zeveloff at [email protected] or on Twitter @naomizeveloff
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
