Israel’s Largest Supplier of Medical Pot Expands to U.S.

After a decade of research and development, Israel is now here to bring all that they have learned and mastered to the U.S. marijuana market.

Last month, Tikun Olam, the world’s first, largest and leading supplier of medical cannabis in Israel, announced its expansion to the U.S.—beginning with Nevada, just as the state embarks on its journey with adult use cannabis.

To readily prepare itself for the economic boom coming to Nevada (marijuana was legalized statewide in the last election, and the law is expected to go into effect sometime this year), Tikun is bringing all of its research and techniques to the States.

Tikun Olam was Israel’s first medical cannabis company, opening its doors in 2007, and soon thereafter selected by the Israeli government in 2007 to be the first government-approved producer of medical marijuana. They have also received international accolades for Avidekel, the first ever high-CBD strain.

Tikun Olam (which means “healing the world” in Hebrew) is known for curating its own unique strains that are developed with patient feedback. At their dispensary in Tel Aviv, nurses assist patients with treatment but also collect data.

“It helps us to understand which strains are working for which conditions,” Bernard Sucher, CEO at Tikun, explained. “It helps us see the entire strain and the entire patient holistically. Our strains were purpose-bred for conditions and ailments.”

Sucher wants to bring that same level of care and research to the U.S., where limits on federal funding for medical marijuana research have stymied many efforts before they could even begin.

“It’s still extraordinarily challenging to create peer-reviewed research studies in the U.S., but we do plan to collect as much information as possible from our consumers and patients so we can understand how our products specifically are helping improve lives,” Sucher said. “We look forward to collecting that data qualitatively… We can invite patients and consumers to track their consumption with us voluntarily, so we look forward to developing digital methods that will enable us to do so.”

In the end, Tikun Olam’s goal is to provide the best relief it can for its patients.

For the Nevada launch, Tikun Olam is bringing six of it’s most popular strains to the United States: Alaska, Midnight, Avidekel, Eran Almog, Erez and Or.

Alaska, a high-THC sativa is best for daytime use and those needing help with pain, depression and gastrointestinal issues. For those with high mental and physical tension or insomnia, the high-THC indicas (Eran Almog, Erez and Or) are your go-tos. Midnight is a sativa with equal parts THC and CBD, great for keeping you functional and motivated.

After establishing itself throughout Nevada, Tikun plans to expand to other states through the year.

“We are working with our local partners to bring the Tikun brand, our knowledge, scientific research and expertise to all the states in which medical cannabis is legally regulated,” Sucher said. “We will be looking to expand to numerous West Coast states throughout 2017.”