Israel Inches Towards Decriminalization of Personal Use
On Thursday Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan voiced his support for the decriminalization of cannabis use in Israel. The new focus would center around limiting the prosecution for the possession of cannabis to administrative fines and educational programs.
Erdan, who has opposed decriminalization in the past, admitted that Israel’s law enforcement agencies have better things to worry about. “I do not take this issue lightly. Legitimacy to drug use has increased, and the number of users has increased,” Erdan told the Associated Press. “The awareness of the dangers and damages from regular use is dropping.” The new policy still requires the approval from the cabinet before it can move forward.
Criminal prosecution will only be used in the event that it is considered a last resort. Erdan approved the conclusions of the panel that looked into cannabis decriminalization. The panel recommended that the fine for possession of cannabis be set at $1,000 shekels or $265 USD and no criminal record for the first offense. The second offense would carry double the amount of that fine, and a third offense, the case would be closed, depending on police judgment. A fourth offense can be criminally prosecuted. Minors caught with cannabis will only be subject to criminal prosecution if he or she refuses to comply with a treatment program.
Earlier this week, the Israeli Justice Department recommended moving forward with the decriminalization of cannabis. The 120-page recommendation affirmed the idea of moving toward a health-based approach to regulating cannabis. Lawmaker Shelly Yacimovich of the Zionist Union blasted the logic of cannabis prohibition. “What’s absurd is that alcohol, which is harmful and generates violence, is permitted,” Yacimovich said.
The Israeli government has taken numerous strides lately towards making cannabis accessible. 13 biochemistry and research projects were granted $8 million shekels from the Agriculture Ministry’s chief scientist, paving the way for research for the next five years. Israel’s military is warming up to cannabis as well. Israel recently announced that off duty military personnel will be able to use cannabis while on leave, removing some past criminal records that potentially haunt Israeli soldiers for a lifetime. The proposed cannabis policy would look like the approach that Portugal uses to handle cannabis.
