Interest is growing in making Israel a hub for cannabis farming and medical research. Israel has already authorized the cultivation of cannabis for local medical use. On Feb. 5, the Knesset’s Ministerial Legislation Committee adopted a resolution approving the exportation of medical cannabis from the country. The bill is now awaiting approval by the Knesset.
Seeking access to the fast-growing global industry, dozens of Israeli kibbutzim have applied for permits to farm medical cannabis since July 2016. Still affected by decades of economic stagnation, these kibbutzim hope that growing medical cannabis can help them attain financial viability.