Bill for the Regulation of the Use of Cannabis for Medical Purposes, 5785-2025

This bill is intended to regulate the use of cannabis for medical purposes in Israel. It establishes new rules regarding the cultivation, production, distribution, import, export, possession, trade, and research of cannabis and its products. Licensing and supervision: Any engagement in cannabis for medical purposes, including cultivation, production, distribution, import, export, possession, and research, will require a special license. The license will be granted by the Director (referring to the Director of the Ministry of Health or their designee) subject to established conditions. The amount of cannabis permitted for cultivation or possession under the license will be determined based on the licensee's request, unless the Director decides otherwise for reasoned grounds. The initial license will be valid for up to one year and may be renewed for additional periods of one year, up to a total of three years. No license will be granted for the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes for personal use. Cultivation and production: Cultivation and production of cannabis for medical purposes will be carried out under appropriate conditions, as specified in regulations. The law clarifies that a cultivation license does not exempt one from the need to obtain other permits, such as building permits. Farmers growing cannabis will be required to use pesticides in accordance with regulations. Additionally, the concentration of active substances in the grown cannabis and its products will be limited. Quality testing and distribution: Cannabis products intended for distribution will undergo laboratory tests to ensure compliance with standards, including levels of pesticide residues, heavy metals, mold, and microbial substances. Products that do not meet these standards will be destroyed. Licensees for cultivation or production will be required to report to the Director any quality defect that may harm public health. They will also be required to report the cessation of production or cultivation of specific genetics and to publish a notice to the public regarding this. Packaging and labeling: Cannabis products will be packaged under appropriate conditions, and the packaging will include detailed information about the product, such as the concentration of active substances, cannabis genetics, harvest and production dates, as well as a QR code for the batch certificate. The product's expiration date will be indicated on the packaging. A consumer information leaflet will be attached to the product. Prescriptions and dispensing: The bill seeks to facilitate the process for patients to receive cannabis for medical purposes. Instead of use licenses, it will be possible to obtain cannabis via a specialist physician's prescription. The prescription will be issued digitally. A call center will be established to provide responses and guidance to patients. A medical committee will be established to determine indications for cannabis treatment, as well as exception committees to approve prescriptions in special cases. The state will fund cannabis treatment for epilepsy patients under the age of 12. Export and control: The law will allow the export of cannabis for medical purposes, subject to obtaining a permit from the Director. Export will be carried out according to international standards, and cannabis intended for export only will not need to meet all Israeli standards. Supervision and control provisions will be imposed on the export process. Amendments to existing laws: The bill includes amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, among other things, to adapt definitions and provisions to the new law. Additionally, employment conditions for workers in the field will be redefined, and police clearance will be required for employees.

Source: הצעת חוק לדיון מוקדם