The Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan stated recently that he is supporting the decriminalization of marijuana use. The minister stated that he is now adopting the conclusions of the panel that he tasked with reviewing the subject matter. The new policy will need the approval of the cabinet as it must be shared with the other big government’s ministries. The panel even recommended moving the focus from the criminal prosecution of the users to administrative fines as well as educational campaigns. The criminal prosecution stated that this should only be used as the last resort.

The panel made a recommendation of imposing around $265 fine to anybody who is found guilty or caught using marijuana with this offence not going on the criminal records for the first time. The fine will be then doubled on 2nd offence and in case the offender is then caught for the 3rd time, this case will be closed based on the police judgment. In case someone is caught for the 4th time, the offender will be prosecuted criminally. The minister emphasized that this will be the case for smoking in public.

As per the new policy, if any minor is actually caught using marijuana, he/she will be (criminally investigated) only in case they refuse to take part in the treatment program. Erdan stated that the law enforcement agencies must have the means apart from criminal prosecution for dealing with the marijuana users.

The marijuana arrest policy in Israel was actually re-examined because of the legalization efforts across the world. The minister stated that he is not taking this issue lightly at all. He added that the legitimacy for drug use has now increased and the users have also increased in big numbers. The actual awareness of the serious dangers as well as the damages from frequent use is also dropping.

Shelly Yacimovich, the lawmaker happily welcomed Erdan’s statement. Shelly stated that cannabis consumption falls in that area of a person’s freedom where the state does not have any reason to be intervening as it does not actually cause damage. She added stating that alcohol, which is also harmful and even generates violence, is still permitted. Tamar Zandberg (lawmaker) agreed with Erdan’s decision by stating that it was really the right decision and also a very brave move.