Israeli scientists are conducting clinical trials to develop and perfect an inhaler that will deliver medical cannabis concentrates for patients suffering from asthma and cancer.

According to the Regina Leader Post, patients with asthma, lung diseases, and other respiratory issues may prefer to inhale medical marijuana rather than smoke it. The same goes for patients seeking relief from the pain of cancer or the unpleasant side effects of cancer treatment.

The Israeli researchers are conducting clinical trials at Sheba Medical Center for a specially made inhaler that offers metered doses of cannabis. Rafa Pharmaceuticals along with Panaxia Pharmaceuticals are collaborating to ensure that the inhalers can deliver the correct amount of herb to the patients flawlessly.

“The clinical trial is performed as part of the registration procedure for new products which we are about to launch in Israel this year in collaboration with Rafa,” Panaxia CEO said in a statement to PR Newswire. “Through access to cannabis inhalers, and subject to a medical specialist’s recommendation, we strive to help more patients suffering from acute pain. The inhaler will provide patients who are unable or unwilling to smoke the right to be treated consistently and precisely.”

According to the Regina Leader Post, the inhalers will have a vaporizer attached to them that will allow medical patients to fill their ideal doses of cannabis extract or concentrate thus eliminating the guess work of how much to take. The inhalers are also fast acting and the patient reaps immediate relief. 

“Every clinical research that helps manage treatment using medical cannabis is important,” Dr. Itay Gur-Aryeh, M.D., Director of the Pain Unit at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer Hospital, the largest hospital in Israel, tells PR Newswire. “Delivering treatment via inhalation is characterized by a quicker response time than oral or sublingual tablets.”

The Israeli scientists say they expect to have the product it ready for distribution in pharmacies later this year.