The potheads amongst us may find it hard to comprehend why anyone would want weed that fails to carry out it’s ‘primary function’ of getting people stoned, but, supposedly, the drug has other purposes too.
Tikun Olam, a medical marijuana plantation based in Northern Israel, has created a new cannabis strain which contains very low traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main constituent in cannabis responsible for getting people ‘high.’ By virtually eliminating THC in the new strain, Tikun Olam can now offer the drug’s medicinal benefits, such as pain relief, to those people who wish to keep a clear head.
“It’s a huge advantage,” said one patient to CBS. “I can smoke during the day, function with a lot less pain and still be focused, work and drive. It is a great gift.”
While marijuana is illegal in Israel, the use of it for medical reasons has been legal since 1993. According to Israel’s Health Ministry, there are currently 9,000 medical marijuana users.
Drug companies have long been interested in the potential medical use of cannabis, so the discovery in Israel could prove to be a very significant breakthrough.
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SÃle Cleary is a regular contributor to Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at @silecleary.
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