Why this Israeli desert town aims to be a medical 'cannabis capital'

A worker checking plants at a greenhouse of Israeli company B.O.L Pharma, which makes medical cannabis products. Photos: Menahem Kahana/AFP

In Israel's Negev desert, far from the skyscrapers of Tel Aviv, the town of Yeruham hopes to cultivate an international reputation as the country's medical cannabis technology powerhouse.

Dozens of start-ups are already working on medical cannabis in Israel, where new legislation is expected to lead to further market growth in the fast-expanding sector.