Israel’s history as an international trendsetter for medical cannabis is well known. The nation has served as one of the top global medical cannabis research hubs for many years, and patients have benefited from national safe access to cannabis in Israel for longer than most other patients around the world.

The nation’s Health Ministry posted updated guidelines yesterday that, once implemented, will significantly overhaul Israel’s medical cannabis program. The published guidelines come after a committee review. Some of the committee’s findings include:

• Medical cannabis licenses have increased from 33,000 to 140,000 over the last decade
• 62% of medical cannabis patients consume more than 30 grams per month
• 88% of medical licenses are for “high THC concentrations”
• 98% of licensed purchases are for cannabis flower

“One of the central recommendations is a gradual phase-out of smoking cannabis within three years. The committee determined that smoking is not an acceptable medical delivery method due to inconsistent absorption and inherent health risks.” reported The Jerusalem Post in its local coverage.

“Under the proposal, new patients would begin treatment with extracts or precision inhalers rather than smokable cannabis. Exceptions may be allowed in limited clinical cases, but only under strict supervision and dosage limits.” the outlet also reported.

Additionally, lower THC concentrations are being recommended, and the full responsibility for overseeing medical cannabis treatments would be shifted to Israel’s health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Elimination of medical cannabis for PTSD is reportedly being considered, a larger focus on addiction prevention is likely, and mandatory training for healthcare workers is also being proposed.