Israeli medical marijuana growers have developed a new strain that can maintain the beneficial effects by almost removing the psycho active component.

By removing a component known as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and raising the levels of CBD (cannabidiol), a powerful anti- inflammatory, researchers at the Tikkun Olam cannabis farm have brought medical marijuana to a new level.

"We are the first that have managed to grow strains with higher CBD and lower THC levels," Zach Klein, a researcher at Tikkun Olam told Xinhua. "With these new strains, many of our patients can now drive, work, and do any kind of activity without feeling the loss of control that is sometimes associated to marijuana consumption."

The experts said CBD does not bind to the brain, so it does not provoke the effect commonly known as being "high," which makes it perfect for distribution in countries where medical marijuana is not yet legal.

In Israel, although cannabis consumption is illegal, patients suffering strong pains, anorexia, cancer and other illnesses can take it legally since the 1990's.

As of now, there are around 10,000 patients benefiting from it, and doctors say the number of people demanding it to relieve them from pain is growing every year.

Odelia, 31, a medical cannabis patient at Tikkun Olam, got permission to use cannabis after using chemical medication for 14 years.

"With morphine and the pills I couldn't live a normal life, I was falling asleep everywhere and I couldn't even get a job, but since I started using cannabis, even my stomach feels betters," said Odelia, who was ran over by a car at the age of 15.

"I'm using the one with higher dose of CBD when my joints hurt, and it really helps me because it's anti-inflammatory," Odelia added.

Supporters of medical cannabis argue that it can not only work as a pain killer, but also help ameliorating vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy, as well as improving gastrointestinal illnesses.

Its detractors say that in the long run it can create addiction, loss of memory, psychosis and progression to more serious drug use.

"I don't experience any of those symptoms, honestly, and all the benefits it has brought me compensate them, because I could get my life back," Odelia said.

Among Tikkun Olam's patients are a nursing home in the nearby village of Zfat, where many elderly residents are taking a daily dose of cannabis.

Despite the optimistic feedback from patients like Odelia, "A thorough study is needed to see if it (cannabis with lower level of THC) actually has the same effects as regular cannabis," Dr. Keren Berreket at the Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv told Xinhua.

"Israel is not the first country to try to lower the THC level of cannabis," the doctor said, adding that "some of my patients who used the strain with lower level of THC say they feel relief, while others cannot."

Israel is one of the few countries in the world that allow the use of medical marijuana and the Israeli government is mulling its distribution at pharmacies.