Taking advantage of progressive government policies regarding marijuana cultivation for medicinal and research purposes, Israeli entrepreneurs are aiming to make the country a “global hub for medical cannabis research.”

Applying advanced agricultural technology to provide medical-grade cannabis for research (and eventually for export, if expected changes in the current laws are made), several Israeli startups are already reporting a brisk trade – particularly from clients in countries like the United States, where marijuana research is either illegal or strictly controlled.

Licensed growers and research facilities in Israel are expecting even more business from the U.S. after the November elections, which increased to 29 the number of states permitting the use of medical marijuana.

Since marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug at the federal level in the U.S., research continues to be strictly regulated, but as more states pass medical marijuana measures, Israel is hoping that more American companies...