I had the pleasure of visiting the famous Dr. Raphael Mechoulam last month at his Hebrew University office just outside of Jerusalem, Israel. For those who may not have heard of him, Dr. Mechoulam is essentially the god father of the endocannabinoid system. He is best known for his work in isolating and totally synthesizing delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Dr. Mechoulam is one of the leading recognized scientists in our field.

MK Sharren Haskel says more than a million Israelis occasionally use cannabis and that decriminalization for personal use over the age of 21 will free up funds to be reallocated for education and public information campaigns.

Attempts to move towards decriminalization of cannabis use in Israel have typically come from left-wing parties in the opposition. But recently, MK Sharren Haskel (Likud) put forward a bill calling to amend the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and decriminalize personal use of cannabis.

More than a year ago, I wrote about one of Israel's top medical innovations: the 3D printed medical marijuana inhaler. And now, one of the nation’s leading startups is bringing in another force of action to further legitimize the cannabis industry.

While it’s no surprise that cannabis has always been a topic surrounded by much controversy, one Israeli startup, Eybna Technologies Ltd., is helping to change the way the world perceives use of the drug.

Say hello to cannabis flavored and scented products, without the high!

Israel's three other health funds reportedly agree that doctors’ prescribing medical marijuana is “problematic,” but they have not yet made statements about it.

How do you like your weed? Whether you smoke to relax, get creative, or for medical reasons, a new online tool will help you decide which marijuana strain is best for the job.

There is some hopeful news on the horizon for those suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. A new study has come out of Tel Aviv University about the promising effects of THC on Alzheimer’s, the all too-common, debilitating, degenerative disease. The researchers went so far as to call it a “potential treatment.” THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive component found in cannabis and can slow the production of beta-amyloid proteins, thought to be a hallmark characteristic and key contributor to the progression of Alzheimer’s.

This breakthrough, gives whole new meaning to the whole “this is your brain on drugs” campaign.

Some months ago I wrote about Israel’s potential rise as a cannabis superpower and recent news suggest the country is living up to its reputation as a leader in medical cannabis.

In January the government announced plans to open the local medical marijuana market to new farms and sellers.

Adding to the developments on a governmental level, Israeli startups are utilizing cannabis for medical and technological advancements all the while working their way around regulations and other hurdles.

Phillip Morris and Syqe, an Israeli medical device company with an inhaler type delivery system have announced a $20m investment.  The cigarette manufacturer will benefit  from a Medtech footprint to understand the potential to significantly reduce damage from smoking traditional nicotine products.

A study at Rambam Hospital where the cannabis inhaler was examined, reported it both safe and effective. In Israel there is an estimated 24, 000  medical cannabis patients.

It’s happening. We’ve been talking about it and planning it for months. We’ve received scores of exciting applications from across the world, more than half from Israel. And, this March 7th, as part of CannaTech, our International Cannabis Summit for Accelerating Cannabis Innovation, a fortunate three entrepreneurs will get their opportunity to pitch their idea to a group of investors.

The cannabis industry is coming on strong and set to outperform every industry since the dawn of mankind.  Not since alcohol prohibition ended in 1933 has an industry emerged with an existing user base, NOT apotential user base, but an active, bustling, black market trade that was brought into the mainstream.

Move would ensure ‘dignity’ of patients, could be implemented within six months, health minister says

Israel could be just six months away from allowing general practitioners to prescribe cannabis, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman said Wednesday.

Litzman is leading a reform of the Health Ministry’s medical cannabis policy that seeks to devolve the authority to prescribe the drug from the ministry’s centralized medical cannabis unit to the nation’s 23,000 doctors, a move that would dramatically ease access to the drug.