Israel Simplifies Access to Medical Cannabis Treatment with New Reforms: Patients No Longer Need a License

In Israel, medical cannabis patients will no longer need a license to access treatment for certain conditions. Under new reforms, only a prescription will be required for 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. For post-traumatic stress (PTSD), pain and other medical conditions, both a prescription and license will be needed.

The CEO of Klalit Health Services, Eli Cohen, stated that “Israel is among the leading countries in regulating the treatment of medical cannabis.” The aim of the reform is to simplify existing regulations while maintaining patient safety. Preparations have been made for implementation through Moore, which will manage the entire process for patients. Mor will serve as a single address for issuing prescriptions or licenses. This will make it easier for Klalit’s patients, who make up half of all medical cannabis license holders.

From now on, when a patient receives a recommendation from their specialist for medical cannabis treatment, they must submit an application in the digital system established by Moore. Processing times are committed to be quick with a response time of up to 5 days. Holders of valid licenses can switch to the prescription route from April 1 or when their license expires. The Ministry of Health has announced that the treatment fee for issuing a prescription will cost 180 NIS and the rate for issuing a license will be 360 NIS.