Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture Shifts Position
Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reclassified cannabis cultivation on Tuesday, officially recognizing the production of medical cannabis as belonging to the farming sector.
Along with the new status, Israel’s cannabis growers—there are an estimated 15 to 20 in the country—will be entitled to government assistance, including grants, training in advanced growing techniques and established water quotas. The ministry says this is the first reclassification in 10 years.
The ministry calculates that every acre set aside for cannabis cultivation costs an average of 1.5 million New Israeli Shekels (NIS) or $427, 341. It calculates that growers need a minimum of four acres to turn a profit, with the crop being sold at, roughly, 10 NIS per gram. Assessments held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development show exports of medical cannabis reaching up to $1,139,448,080 or 4,000,000,000 NIS.
Israel is held by many as a leader in the medical cannabis industry. Israeli scientists have been conducting research on cannabis since the 1960s and the use of cannabis to treat specific illnesses has been permitted since the 1990s. However, the ministry believes public attitude toward cannabis still needs adjusting.
“The use of cannabis for medical purposes is relatively new in Israel and worldwide, and its status is still controversial,” the ministry said in a statement for Globes.
“But it appears that the use of cannabis for medical purposes is gaining popularity in many countries, and an increasing number of studies are confirming the positive effects of cannabis . . . ”
Recently, the ministry awarded 8 million NIS for 13 studies on cannabis. The goals of these studies are to further growing efficiency and investigate ways to improve cannabis infrastructure for future generations of growers. From these developments it appears that Israel is taking measures to uphold its reputation as a leader in cannabis.
