A new bill promises broader access and less bureaucracy for patients. But opposition from doctors, insurers, and police casts a long shadow.
Last Tuesday, the Israeli Knesset’s Public Committee approved a long-debated bill to reform the country’s medical cannabis framework. Initially introduced by MK Sharren Haskel and now revived by MK Moshe Passal, the bill is set to move forward for a first reading in the plenary — if the fragile political situation allows.
The proposal addresses long-standing frustrations among patients, aiming to ease access and reduce reliance on a small circle of licensed specialists.
Key elements of the bill
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Family doctors can renew prescriptions
The bill proposes allowing all general practitioners to renew cannabis prescriptions — not just a small group of trained specialists. For over 100,000 registered patients, this could reduce wait times and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks. -
Free cannabis for children with epilepsy
Children under 12 suffering from intractable epilepsy would receive full government coverage for medical cannabis treatment. -
Return of THC/CBD labeling
Products would once again be required to display active cannabinoid concentrations, improving patient information and product transparency. -
Export facilitation
The bill also includes regulatory changes that would support international exports, strengthening Israel’s cannabis innovation economy.
Strong pushback from the medical community and law enforcement
The proposed liberalization has sparked intense debate:
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Doctors fear “prescription inflation”
Several health funds warned that GPs, under pressure from patients, might overprescribe cannabis without adequate training. Leading physicians emphasized the need for specialist review of complex patient histories before recommending treatment. -
Police call for background checks on doctors
The Ministry of National Security and Israeli police demanded that all cannabis-authorized doctors undergo criminal background checks, citing risks of “leakage to organized crime.” This proposal was rejected by the committee but may return in future readings. -
Health Ministry remains skeptical
Senior Ministry officials argue the current approval system is functioning well and fear the reform could harm patients rather than help them.
Approved — but politically fragile
Despite the concerns, the bill passed committee review with three votes in favor and two abstentions. It now heads to the plenary — yet its future remains uncertain. With the controversial draft law on military conscription threatening to destabilize the current government, the cannabis bill may not survive the legislative process.
Years ago, when Falk Altenhöfer began his journey into the cannabis industry, he stood on the terrace of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, capturing a photo of the Knesset in the distance. That same building is now at the center of a heated debate over patient rights, access, and cannabis policy reform.
