The Cannabis Enigma

Cannabis in Israel, with Itai Rogel

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Episode notes

Israel is world-renowned for the research and innovation that is taking place there, and unofficial data suggests that around 20% of the Israeli population uses cannabis. Despite this, being in possession of a prescription is the only way that cannabis can be legally consumed. Though hopefully this will not be the case for much longer. 

Today’s guest is Itai Rogel, the Vice President of Business Development at Israeli cannabis company, Bazelet. Bazelet currently has two registered patents, 40 applications out in various stages, and is one of the two largest cannabis companies in Israel.

In today’s episode you’ll hear about some of the unique qualities of the Israeli cannabis market (and Bazelet), why it is such a challenge to legalize cannabis in the country, and the approach to legalization that Itai thinks makes the most sense for his country.  

Key points from this episode:

  • Itai shares a picture of what the cannabis market currently looks like in Israel.
  • The forms of cannabis which can be purchased by consumers in Israel.
  • Conditions for which people in Israel are able to receive cannabis prescriptions.
  • Tensions that exist within the Israeli cannabis market.
  • A quality that differentiates Bazelet from other medical cannabis companies.
  • An overview of what Bazelet does, and how it has evolved over the years.
  • The brand Bazelet has developed which is specifically focused on women's health.
  • Itai weighs in on what he thinks the cannabis industry is going to look like in Israel in the future.
  • Unofficial data on cannabis usage in Israel.
  • The angle through which Itai believes cannabis legalization should be approached. 
  • Similarities between the Israeli and Australian cannabis markets.
  • Why cannabis should not be subjected to the same level of clinical trials as pharmaceuticals.
  • The Americans for Safe Access segment: focusing on the difference between medical cannabis and adult use cannabis.

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Bazelet Group
Itai Rogel on LinkedIn
Americans for Safe Access
Cannigma