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    Unearthing The Active Ingredients

    In Israel, the longstanding history of hemp research is inexorably tied to Professor Raphael  Mechoulam was one of the pioneers of the field. During his research in the 1960s, Mechoulam began investigating the hemp plant after learning about the isolation of morphine from opium.

    His efforts centered on identifying the active ingredient, believing it would pave the way for greater scientific study. Through his collaborative efforts with Drs. Yechiel Gaoni and Yuval Shvo, Mechoulam were able to isolate many active molecules in 1963 and tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound found in botanical plants, in 1964. 

    Mechoulam and Gaoni were also able to synthesize tetrahydrocannabinol, paving the way for other important discoveries, including the Endocannabinoid system. These findings are widely attributed as a major milestone for plants research, marking the first time the active compounds were successfully identified. It also inspired the hunt for the other crucial compounds.

    The Stamp of Approval

    The Israeli government itself has played a great role in the wellness industry’s evolution, wholeheartedly supporting research and development. In 1996, the government officially approved the first medical plant license in Tel Aviv, opening the doors for a radical change
    in the country’s alternative medicine future.

    Following this breakthrough, the research industry truly emerged as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture actively supported studies. The stream of discoveries that have unfolded since has been nothing short of staggering, especially the research that resulted in the “entourage effect” breakthrough.

    The Inspirational Entourage

    Hemp is known for containing more than 400 compounds, and although most are contained in smaller quantities relative to cannabinoids, these compounds can produce a variety of biological responses.

    One of the most important hemp findings emerged from a collaboration between Dr. Shimon Ben-Shabat and Mechoulam in 1999. They determined that the active ingredients in isolation produced different reactions when compared to multiple hemp compounds interacting simultaneously, known today as the “entourage effect”.

    For instance, terpenes, the compounds in botanical plants responsible for flavor and smell, were discovered to be a powerful moderator of the anxiety that can be induced by tetrahydrocannabinol. This study promoted the idea that different compounds work together to maximize their
    possible effectiveness.

    This recognition also paved the way for the discovery of other compounds and possible use cases. In a 2006 study, Professor Esty Shohamy exposed the ability of certain materials to expand blood vessels, helping patients suffering from brain damage. Others, such as Professor Itai Bab, uncovered another material that was able to combat bone issues such as osteoporosis.

    Fertile Grounds For Research

    In tandem with all these noteworthy discoveries, friendly laws toward medical research have helped transform Israel into a haven for the field’s innovation and evolution. This is thanks in large part to a government that has been receptive towards the advancing progress of medical plants.

    In 2007, the first private medical cultivation and distribution companies were established. Early entrants like Seach—one of the first dispensaries—drove the expansion of the field which grew from just a few licenses in 2004 to its current level of nearly 25,000
    prescribed users.

    The expansion of the field made it as diverse as it is, and studies extended to several areas of medicine. One of the biggest influencers in this arena is Professor Dedi Meiri, an investigator at Haifa’s Technion—Israel Institute of Technology. On the whole, this newfound haven for research has instilled a deep passion for innovation in the medical community in Israel.

    Meiri has focused much of his research on novel cancer treatments, attempting to identify the anti-tumor effects of cannabinoids. To date, Meiri has been able to determine the plant’s potential for fighting cancer cells, and his lab can even offer some customizable treatments and help deliver more compassionate care to patients.

    A Future of Infinite Possibilities

    At present, Israel is consistently ranked among the top locations for medicine plant research, and it actively encourages the industry’s growth. As more countries push toward full legalization, Israel’s scientific approach combined with a friendly legal framework and ongoing research
    efforts have helped position the local industry to blossom.

    With the government’s steadfast approval alongside the rich history of hemp research within its borders, Israel’s wellness sector is busily planting the seeds for tomorrow’s big developments.