Biography
Shlomi Sendak began the struggle for the recognition of the medicinal qualities of cannabis in August 1994, when he wrote and published a booklet called "Esev Hasadeh – Marijuana, the 21st Century Miracle Drug." Following the publication of the booklet, Shlomi was interviewed on a prime-time television show while rolling and lightening a joint:
That moment is considered the official starting signal for the strive for the legalization of cannabis in Israel.
Shlomi and the Press
Shlomi often explained that in the absence of budget and economic resources, he had no choice but to use provocations to break via the media into the public awareness:
"Were they still willing to interview me about the booklet and the medicinal qualities of cannabis if I would not have dared to roll and light a joint in front of the camera on prime-time?" he wondered.
The media's response to the booklet and Shlomi's provocation led to his first invitation to appear in front of the Knesset's Committee on Drug Abuse.
Later, he appeared many times in the Knesset (the Israeli parliament), speaking to various committees, all dealing with the medical use of cannabis.
From time to time, Shlomi continued to use provocations as a tool to gain attention and point urgent matters.
In 1997, he published his book "The Dry Period – The Journey to Legalization," which a local Tel Aviv newspaper characterized "a fascinating historical document."
Sendak's Political Life
In 1999, Shlomi accepted Boaz Wachtel's invitation to join the Green Leaf Party.
The party acted under the banner of the legalization of soft drugs. Shlomi was the party's second in-line candidate in that year's national elections:
"Marijuana can be an effective medication not only for cancer and AIDS but also for epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, headaches and migraines, asthma, glaucoma and many other diseases," he said on the eve of the party's founding.
Only 8,000 votes were missing for the party to enter the Knesset.
During the 2006 and 2009 elections Shlomi was again one of the Party's candidates for Knesset (second place). However, after the 2009 elections he decided to leave the party and to withdraw from politics in order to continue his journey without a political backpack.
The Israeli Medical Cannabis Clinic
In 2009, due to severe back problems, Shlomi obtained a permit to treat himself with medical cannabis.
As a result, he founded the Israeli Medical Cannabis Clinic, in which he helped thousands of Israeli patients to obtain a medical cannabis permit.
Media Presence
Between 2009 and 2013, Shlomi filmed and uploaded dozens of videos documenting the effectiveness of cannabis:
"The camera is my weapon. I'm not looking for prizes for the best movie and I'm willing to compromise on the quality of the editing" he said.
In 2013, Shlomi published his book "The Campaign for the Liberation of Cannabis", which was in effect a kind of indictment against the then director-general of the Ministry of Health, Prof. Roni Gamzu.
In 2017, the documentary "Green Leaf" (directed by Morris Candiotti) was broadcasted on television in Israel. The movie gave its viewers a glimpse to Shlomi's – "The Prophet of Israeli Medical Cannabis"- 20 years activity of promoting medical cannabis in Israel.
Academic Courses and Lectures
In 2017, Shlomi – together with Dr. Michael Dor of the Israeli Medical Cannabis Unit – initiated the first entrepreneurship course for Cannabis at the Hadassah Academic College, Jerusalem.
In the same year, in cooperation with the "Kana" association, he initiated the first course in Israel on how to grow cannabis.
Shlomi is invited to lecture for diverse audiences, such as medical professionals, mental health professionals, farmers, and others.
He also often partakes in political debates and lectures for the general public.
Since 2020 he is a professional consultant to Cannabis companies.