Taking a step towards decriminalizing marijuana, the cabinet on Monday 8 Adar approved the move. While Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu quotes experts who say this must be done in a careful and expert fashion, the consensus is to move ahead with decriminalizing pot for personal use, as has already been done in some Western countries.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan told his colleagues the time has come to focus on “awareness and education, not law enforcement”.
Repeat offenders will be fined, but there will be no criminal charges as the law compels today. A fourth violation could however lead to criminal charges. This refers to selling, not the legal amount for personal use.
In the United States, 28 states have legalized marijuana for medical use. Interestingly, Israel is a world leader in research in the field of medical marijuana.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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2 Responses
Wow,talk about a “light” unto the nations. I guess many more Israelis will be reciting an enraptured hallel this coming 5th of Iyar….
DO NOT LEGALIZE MARIJUANA, PLEASE.
USE OF IT ALSO LEADS TO BIGGER DRUGS.
IT IS DANGEROUS TO THE PRECIOUS JEWISH NESHAMA.
DON’T DO THIS CRAZY THING!!