Could Israel Lead the Way in Cannabis Startups?
According to a recent story on TechCrunch.com, Israel’s recent work to decriminalize marijuana could result in the nation becoming a worldwide cannabis superpower.
Israel has lately built a reputation for fostering innovative tech startups, as well as its advancements in agriculture and security. However, a recent push to decriminalize marijuana and to turn the drug into a medical export is making news.
As it stands now, Israel is already a trailblazer when it comes to clinical research on cannabis. This has allowed growers in Israel to grow new strains of the drug, and some believe there are now medical-grade products ready for the market.
In fact, the oldest medical-marijuana program in the world belongs to Israel. It’s easier to conduct research and clinical tests on the medicinal usage of marijuana in Israel than anywhere else on the planet. Countries including the United States and Canada have long known this, which is why they have agreements with Israel on the matter.
Israel has a few things going for it in the medical-marijuana industry. First, there are fewer hoops to jump through to get the desired testing and research done. Second, the country’s climate is ideal for cannabis growing. And third, there is a wealth of knowledge in the country when it comes to farming and agriculture.
The cannabis industry in Israel is further aided by the fact that the nation’s Ministry of Health has made public its acceptance of cannabis and its medical and health benefits. The drug has already been approved to treat such medical conditions as MS, epilepsy, cancer, and certain neurological problems.
The economic benefits of the medical marijuana industry are not lost on the Israeli government. As more companies look to perform clinical trials in the country, the cannabis industry could financially surpass almost all other Israeli exports, including arms.
Source: http://techcrunch.com/2015/09/04/israel-sparks-up-cannabis-startups/#.4kvhcc:3PfQ
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