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Israeli Government Will Fund 13 Cannabis Research Projects

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Cannabis Research ProjectsIsrael is one of the world’s top researchers in the arena of medical cannabis, and now the government is going to help them reach new heights.

Thirteen biochemistry and research projects will share NIS 8 million from the Agriculture Ministry’s chief scientist, with the expectation of increasing medical cannabis growth within the country. On Monday the ministry stated that it is “a pioneering step,” and that the money will allow researchers to conduct applied and basic research for the next five years.

“It is our privilege to fund these studies, which are likely to save many patients,” Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel said on Monday. “This is further proof that agriculture is an important foundation for every field of life, including life-saving medicines, and I welcome this step.”

The Health Ministry put out a call for cannabis research proposals and chief scientist, Avi Perl, narrowed it down to the final 13 that will receive funding.

Of the chosen projects, seven are in the areas of biochemistry and medicine. They address topics like the detection and characterization of new materials in strains of medical cannabis, the involvement of cannabis in both visual function and colon cancer and the use of strains in treating multiple sclerosis.

The Agriculture Ministry funds will also go towards six studies targeted at improving the growth of cannabis plants. Most of these projects deal with ways to maximize growth through optimal irrigation and fertilization, combating diseases and pests specific to cannabis and honing methods for planting and reproducing cannabis.

To date, physicians in Israel have prescribed medical cannabis for 25,000 patients. Because of this, the ministry’s chief scientist made sure to not underplay the importance this latest action with play in shaping Israel’s medical cannabis industry.

“This is really great news,” Perl said. “This is the time to do research in this field in Israel, which will enable the development of treatment methods and chemical preparations based on cannabis, and help patients find relief and heal from their illnesses.”

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