Medical marijuana researchers in Israel have created a new strain of medical marijuana, which can alleviate symptoms of several diseases without giving patients a “high” feeling common when using marijuana. By removing the tetrahydrocannabinol and increasing the levels of CBD cannabidiol found in medical marijuana, patients are able to fight their disease and live an average life.

According to Wired Science, in Israel approximately 9,000 patients hold governmental medical marijuana licenses to treat ailments such as glaucoma and chronic pain. Patients use it as an appetite stimulant while undergoing chemotherapy. Those in favor of the new strain argue that it works as a painkiller and also helps to eliminate nausea caused by chemotherapy.

On the other hand, by taking this version of medical marijuana, patients are more likely to suffer from memory loss and psychosis and progress to more serious drug use, according to CBS News Currently, U.S. federal law considers THC, CBD and the entire marijuana plant to be illegal. Since 1993, Israeli patients suffering from intense pains because of illnesses have been able to take the new medical marijuana strain legally. Currently, 10,000 patients have benefited from taking the new medical marijuana strand and doctors say the number of people interested in taking it increases daily.

This is not the first altered marijuana medical treatment. In 1985, the Food and Drug Administration approved two pills, Marinol and Cesamet, containing synthetic THC to help reduce the side effects brought upon by chemotherapy, according to CBS News.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration does not support the use of marijuana as medicine and says it could be dangerous for patients. “Smoked marijuana has not withstood the rigors of science—it is not medicine, and it is not safe.” Israel is one of the few countries in the world to allow the use of medical marijuana.