“This is a significant step for exporters and the Israeli industry, which will enable both expansions of export opportunities as well as rising employment ... in the field,” said Economy Minister Eli Cohen.

Cohen gave final approval for the exports more than a year after the cabinet backed a new law to permit them. His order takes effect in 30 days, allowing exporters to apply for a license from the Health Ministry.

There are already more than 10 farms and five factories in Israel that meet Health Ministry standards, and some companies have already reached an agreement to sell cannabis to Europe or Canada once the licenses become available.

Within Israel, medical use of cannabis is permitted; recreational use is illegal but largely decriminalized. The economy ministry says about 60,000 Israelis use medical cannabis, consuming an estimated 25 tonnes per year.

Many European countries and U.S. states permit medical use. In 2018 Canada became the first G7 country to legalize it for recreational use countrywide.

Israeli farms, benefiting from a favorable climate and expertise in medical and agricultural technologies - are among the world’s biggest producers of medical cannabis.

“There are many investments that we are expected to see happening now, because investors were waiting for this approval,” said Hagit Weinstock, co-founder of the Weinstock-Zehavi & Co law firm and a pioneer of cannabis regulation in Israel.

REUTERS