With a vote on a new bill this week in the Knesset, Israel could soon decriminalize marijuana. The Knesset is Israel’s legislative body.
It voted unanimously to pass the bill on its first reading on March 7. Two more successful votes are required for the measure to become law.
The law changes penalties for those caught possessing cannabis in public. Fines would replace jail time for most offenses.
Public Security and Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan leads the effort to pass the bill.
He said that the goal of the bill is to “reduce the harms of drug usage regularly but avoid as much as possible the criminal stigmatization of average citizens,” according to media reports.
Tamar Zandberg is a Member of the Knesset from the Meretz Party. She supports complete legalization of marijuana in Israel. She said the bill is a step in that direction.
“The law is far from perfect, but it’s a foot in the door on the way to full legalization. There is a lot of work ahead,” Zandberg said.
Better Than Jail
Although better than spending time behind bars, the fines proposed aren’t nominal. Adults caught possessing marijuana the first time would be subject to a fine of 1,000 shekels (about $300 US).
The fine doubles for a second offense. Third-time offenders would be subject to time on probation.
Fourth and subsequent violations would result in criminal prosecution.
Minors caught with pot would be required to attend a rehab program. Those that refuse would face prosecution instead.
Pot’s Popularity in Israel
Israel has a significant marijuana culture. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that nine percent of Israelis use cannabis in the country of 8,000,000 people.