Israel Decriminalizes Cannabis Use
By dropping criminal penalties on cannabis and replacing them with fines, Israel is ushering in a new industry era. Israel’s Cabinet approved the decision to decriminalize the use of cannabis. On Sunday, Israel’s public security Minister announced that the policy has been approved.
“Whether one supports use of cannabis or is opposed, it is wrong to judge cannabis users per criminal law and its derivatives,” Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked told CNN. “The state of Israel cannot turn a blind eye in light of changes worldwide regarding cannabis consumption and effect.” Other nations, such as the Netherlands, Mexico, Czech Republic, Costa Rica and Portugal have all moved forward with decriminalization.
Those caught with cannabis will not face criminal charges until the fourth offense. Instead, first-time offenders caught with cannabis in public will incur a fine of 1,000 shekels ($271). On the second offense, the fine is doubled, and the third offense will lead to probation. Only after three prior offenses will criminal charges be pressed by law enforcement. The monies generated will go toward financing an antidrug education and treatment program. A team will be established to implement the new policy. There are currently about 25,000 medical cannabis patients in Israel today.
Last January, Israel’s Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan voiced his support for decriminalization. The growing support for decriminalization helped prompt the nation’s green rush. The New York Times reported that the time to decriminalize is now, given the fact that there were fewer than 200 arrests in 2015.
“On the one hand, we are opening ourselves up to the future,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Cabinet on Sunday. “On the other hand, we understand the dangers and will try to balance the two.” The new law will make the distinction between the growers of personal amounts, medical cannabis patients and larger operations. Larger commercial enterprises must still be approved by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. A government-appointed committee will prepare recommendations on implementing the decriminalization of cannabis within the next 60 days.
