How to Request a Medical Cannabis Permit
How to submit a request for a permit
There are two ways available for submitting a request to obtain or renew a medical cannabis permit:
Contact a specialist
Talk to a doctor who specializes in the medical field for which the permit is being asked for. When a specialist determines to endorse medical cannabis therapy, the specialist must apply to the Medical Cannabis Unit.
Note: A family doctor cannot file a request; only a doctor that specializes in one of the indications that are recognized for a medical cannabis permit can. The specialist must submit a comprehensive medical endorsement.
- The request is forwarded, along with the medical records, to a doctor with the unit for review.
- The request will be reviewed within one week on average.
- The patient's address, which they gave in their request, will be used to send the decision directly by email.
Contact a doctor with authorization
Schedule an appointment with a doctor who has authorization to give out permits. The authorized doctor will consider the request for a medical cannabis permit. If they endorse medical cannabis therapy for the patient, they will give the permit right away.
Note: Authorized doctors cannot grant a private permit to possess and use medical cannabis. Private doctors do not have the authority to issue permits, but they can submit a request with the medical cannabis unit for a permit on behalf of a patient, as explained in the first section.
List of doctors who are authorized to issue a permit to possess and use medical cannabis (Hebrew).
How much does it cost to get medical cannabis and use it?
There is a deductible that the HMOs or their subsidiaries charge for the medical exam, getting a medical cannabis permit, and writing prescriptions. The flat rate is updated from time to time and is valid for one year from the date the prescription is issued. For more information about the deductible, see Hebrew.
Cannabis is not part of the health services basket. According to Israeli law, any pharmacy that is allowed to sell cannabis can decide its own prices and discounts. You should also know that medical cannabis in Israel is some of the cheapest in the world.
Issuing a permit depends on agreeing to medical supervision
Getting a permit for medical cannabis is contingent upon medical supervision by a doctor at least once a year or at the doctor's discretion. The permit will have information about the doctor on it. Medical supervision is important to keep an eye on the therapy and its effects, find any unwanted or harmful side effects like bad interactions, and make sure there are not any problems.
Cannabis for other medical conditions
Treatment with cannabis for a mental health condition is one indication, according to the patient’s complaint. If someone with a history of mental health conditions asks a doctor to recommend cannabis therapy for a certain non-psychiatric reason, the doctor's opinion must be included with the permit request. Everything else in the process is the same as what is written on this page. There is a chance that the doctors who will be looking over the cannabis permit request will ask for medical documents to be filled out.
Request a Medical Cannabis Permit
Find more information on how to submit the request, the required documents, complete guidelines, and more on the government services website.