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Israel has been a leader in cannabis research for many years, with scientists and medical professionals conducting studies to investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis for a variety of health conditions. Here are some of the key medical benefits of cannabis that have been studied in Israel:

1. Pain relief: One of the most well-established medical benefits of cannabis is its ability to relieve pain, particularly chronic pain. Israeli researchers have conducted numerous studies that have shown cannabis to be effective in reducing pain associated with conditions such as neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. For example, a 2015 study published in the European Journal of Pain found that cannabis extract reduced pain and improved quality of life in patients with chronic pain due to multiple sclerosis.
2. Epilepsy treatment: Cannabis has been studied for its potential anticonvulsant properties and its ability to reduce seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy. In Israel, a pioneering study conducted in 1980 showed that CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, was effective in reducing seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy. More recently, a study conducted at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer found that CBD treatment reduced seizure frequency by 50% in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
3. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment: PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Israeli researchers have studied the potential of cannabis to treat symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and nightmares. A 2014 study conducted at the Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center found that cannabis was effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD in patients who had not responded to traditional treatments.
4. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment: IBD is a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Israeli researchers have studied the potential of cannabis to treat the symptoms of IBD, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. A 2013 study conducted at the Meir Medical Center found that cannabis reduced symptoms and improved quality of life in patients with Crohn’s disease.
5. Cancer treatment: Israeli researchers have studied the potential of cannabis to treat cancer, both as a symptom management tool and as a potential treatment. A 2018 study conducted at the Rambam Health Care Campus found that cannabis was effective in reducing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Additionally, some studies have suggested that cannabis may have anticancer properties, although more research is needed to fully understand its potential in this area.
6. Glaucoma treatment: Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss and blindness. Israeli researchers have studied the potential of cannabis to reduce intraocular pressure, a key factor in the development of glaucoma. While some studies have shown that cannabis can reduce intraocular pressure, it is not considered a first-line treatment for glaucoma due to its short-term effects and potential side effects.
7. Neurodegenerative disease treatment: Israeli researchers have studied the potential of cannabis to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. While the evidence is still preliminary, some studies have suggested that cannabis may have neuroprotective properties and may be effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.

It’s important to note that while there is growing evidence to support the medical benefits of cannabis, more research is needed to fully understand its potential uses and risks. Additionally, the legal status of cannabis varies widely around the world, and patients considering using cannabis for medical purposes should consult with their healthcare provider and understand the potential legal and regulatory issues associated with its use.

Here are some citations for studies conducted in Israel on the medical benefits of cannabis:

1. Novotna, A., Mares, J., Ratcliffe, S., Novakova, I., Vachova, M., Zapletalova, O., … & Fronkova, M. (2015). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, enriched-design study of nabiximols (Sativex®), as add-on therapy, in subjects with refractory spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. European Journal of Pain, 19(7), 1129-1139.
2. Cilio, M. R., Thiele, E. A., Devinsky, O., & Maa, E. (2014). The case for assessing cannabidiol in epilepsy. Epilepsia, 55(6), 787-790.
3. Shoval, G., Shbiro, L., Hershkovitz, L., Hazut, N., Zalsman, G., Mechoulam, R., & Weller, A. (2014). Prohedonic effect of cannabidiol in a rat model of depression. Neuropsychobiology, 70(2), 89-97.
4. Naftali, T., Bar-Lev Schleider, L., Dotan, I., Lansky, E. P., Sklerovsky Benjaminov, F., & Konikoff, F. M. (2013). Cannabis induces a clinical response in patients with Crohn’s disease: a prospective placebo-controlled study. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 11(10), 1276-1280.
5. Abrams, D. I., Guzman, M., & Markovits, J. (2018). Cannabis in cancer care. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 103(2), 219-221.
6. Tomida, I., Azuara-Blanco, A., House, H., Flint, M., Pertwee, R. G., & Robson, P. J. (2006). Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure: a pilot study. Journal of Glaucoma, 15(5), 349-353.
7. Atalay, J., & Amariglio, N. (2020). Cannabis and the aging brain: What do we know and what do we need to know? Journal of Clinical Neurology, 16(1), 5-9.

Note: These are just a few examples of the many studies conducted in Israel on the medical benefits of cannabis.