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Hagit Yagoda is an Israeli medical cannabis advocate and patient rights activist, known for her pioneering role in promoting cannabis as a treatment for various medical conditions. Yagoda became a key figure in Israel’s cannabis reform movement after using medical cannabis during her own battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer she was diagnosed with at the age of 21.
Early Life and Diagnosis
editHagit Yagoda was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in her early twenties. Faced with the physical and emotional challenges of chemotherapy, she turned to cannabis as a complementary therapy. Her positive experience with cannabis for managing the side effects of chemotherapy, including pain, nausea, and appetite loss, led her to become an outspoken advocate for the medicinal use of cannabis.
Advocacy and Legal Milestones
editIn 1995, Yagoda became the first person in Israel to receive government approval for the use of medical cannabis under the Ministry of Health’s compassionate-use program. Her case was instrumental in opening the door for other patients to access cannabis legally for medical purposes. She continues to work closely with health professionals, cannabis organizations, and policymakers to help ensure better patient access to medical cannabis.
One of Yagoda’s most notable achievements was leading a strike by medical cannabis patients in 2013. The strike highlighted the regulatory hurdles patients faced in accessing cannabis, which included complex bureaucratic procedures and the high costs of treatment. Her activism helped bring national attention to the struggles of medical cannabis patients in Israel, encouraging public debate on the need for regulatory reform.
Public Speaking and Media Engagement
editHagit Yagoda has participated in various national and international forums and conferences, discussing the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and the legal challenges surrounding its use in Israel. She has appeared in media reports, interviews, and panel discussions advocating for patient rights. In 2019, she took part in the MediaCentral tour, where she addressed international media about cannabis policy in Israel and the benefits she experienced firsthand.
Her story has been featured in multiple articles and reports, raising awareness about the positive impact of cannabis on cancer patients and others with chronic illnesses. Yagoda’s dedication has made her a significant voice in Israel's cannabis reform movement and a source of inspiration for both patients and advocates globally.
Public Advocacy and Knesset Appearance
editIn 2013, following her third cancer diagnosis and her decision to refuse conventional chemotherapy in favor of cannabis extracts, Hagit Yagoda launched a public protest to raise awareness for medical cannabis access. Her protest included a hunger strike in front of the house of then-Health Minister Yael German. As a result of this protest, Yagoda was invited to speak before the Health Committee in the Israeli Knesset.
Yagoda was the first patient to present the perspective of medical cannabis patients directly to the Committee. Prior to this, most testimonies on the issue were given by public figures or politicians. During her testimony, she advocated for the development of clear regulations surrounding medical cannabis usage, highlighting the need for more accessible treatment for cancer patients and others with severe medical conditions. Her advocacy contributed to the establishment of Procedure 106, which set guidelines for the use of medical cannabis under licenses issued by the Israeli Ministry of Health.
Impact and Legacy
editHagit Yagoda’s work has contributed to significant advancements in Israel's medical cannabis regulations, which are now considered among the most progressive in the world. She continues to work on improving access to medical cannabis, advocating for patient rights, and supporting legislative changes that benefit people in need of alternative treatments.
References
editActivism: Fighting Cancer and Prejudices , CANNABIS THERAPY magazine , 19. September 2023 ,
The Big Medical Bang Cannabis Reform In Israel, MediaCentral, January 23 2019
Wie Israel zur Supermacht des Cannabis aufsteigen will, Von Gil Yaron welt.de ,29 Jan 2019