Marijuana News Brief - July 28th, 2015

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<strong>Israel legalizes medical marijuana</strong>

It will be easier for patients in Israel to get medical marijuana after today’s announcement that it will soon be distributed through pharmacies instead of through two government-regulated dispensaries.

The change, announced by Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman, was seen as a way to make it easier for patients to get the drug legally, curbing sales on the black market.

The prescription must be written by a senior doctor trained in medical marijuana usage.

<strong>Michigan considers adding autism to list</strong>

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The Michigan Medical Marijuana Review panel plans to discuss on Friday adding autism to the list of conditions suitable for treatment with the drug proponents say will reduce the severe anxiety and confusion associated with autism.

Once a decision is made, the panel will make a recommendation to the state Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Department.

Michigan now permits medical marijuana to be used to treat cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other debilitating ailments.

Meanwhile, in Colorado, proponents of using medical marijuana to treat post-traumatic stress disorder aren’t giving up their fight despite several rejections by the state, the latest in July.

Grow for Vets and Partners, a group whose mission is to reduce the number of veterans who die from suicides and drug overdoses, plans to hold a rally Aug. 1 in Denver’s River North District.

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<strong>Australia legalization in sight</strong>

Australia is expected to legalize medical marijuana in August after senators from all the major parties said they are ready to endorse a bill that would set up a cannabis regulator.

The bill makes the government responsible for overseeing the production, distribution and use of the drug.

A committee of legislators set up to study the proposal will give its report – expected to be in favor of legalization – Aug. 10.

The bill has been hung up by governmental concerns that it would overlap and interfere with the existing drug laws.

A recent survey found that two-thirds of Australians favor the legalization of medical marijuana.