The US can learn from Israel’s liberal attitude toward medical marijuana, says former American talk show host Montel Williams.

Williams, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, is now in Israel to learn more about medicinal cannabis policies.

An outspoken advocate of medical marijuana, Williams told reporters that he relies on the drug to relieve pain caused by his disease.

“For me, there is nothing else that can do what it does,” he said. “It helps me suppress my pain … When I am not using cannabis I am thinking about my pain every 45 seconds.”

Williams said the Israeli medical community understands the importance of medical marijuana. “There are chemicals within that plant… and some of the leading science on where and how those chemicals work is being done right here in this country [Israel],” he said.

The 55-year-old Williams formerly hosted the popular long-running talk show The Montel Williams Show.