Pubdate: Sun, 07 Aug 2011
Source: Ha'aretz (Israel)
Copyright: 2011sHa'aretz Daily Newspaper Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.haaretz.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/807
Author: Ariela Bankier for Haaretz

ISRAELI GOVERNMENT APPROVES GUIDELINES FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Cabinet Agrees on Arrangements and Supervision of Marijuana Supply in 
Medical Centers and for Research; 6,000 People in Israel Currently 
Treated With Medical Cannabis. 

The Israeli government approved on Sunday arrangements and supervision
regarding the supply of cannabis for medical and research purposes.

A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's media adviser
said "the Health Ministry will - in coordination with the Israel
Police and the Israel Anti-Drug Authority - oversee the foregoing and
will also be responsible for supplies from imports and local
cultivation."

Of approximately 6,000 Israelis currently being treated with medical
cannabis (aka medical marijuana), most suffer from chronic pain and
terminal illnesses. The therapeutic potential of cannabis has been
known for many years and is recognized by the Health Ministry.

But many patients - such as sexual assault victims suffering from
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who have been recommended
psychiatric treatment with medical cannabis - encounter bureaucratic
obstacles. 
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