Israel moves to decriminalize marijuana use
Law enforcement agencies should have means other than criminal prosecution to deal with marijuana users
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan announces support for new policy for enforcing marijuana use, which favors fines and educational initiatives, with criminal prosecution only as a last resort. The minister said he is adopting the conclusions of a panel he tasked with reviewing the matter. The panel recommended giving a 1,000-shekel ($265) fine to anyone caught using marijuana for the first time, with the offence not going on his criminal record. The new policy would still require the cabinet's approval because it should be coordinated with other government ministries, Erdan said. (See also: Israel to decriminalise personal use of cannabis)