Fines and volunteer service would replace criminal charges for first-time offenders under the proposed law
Shahar Ilan
The campaign to legalize marijuana in Israel chalked up a win
Wednesday when lawmakers voted to advance a bill that would
decriminalize marijuana use and possession.
Passing unanimously on its first of
three legislative readings, the bill proposes a NIS 1,000 ($290) fine on
first-time possession of marijuana for adults. Getting caught for a
second time would result in a NIS 2,000 fine. A third-time offender
would have to complete a community service program. Police would only
proceed with criminal charges upon a fourth offense.
Marijuana (Illustrative). Photo: Getty
Lawmakers are currently preparing a separate policy for minors that will be incorporated into the bill in the future.
“This bill is far from perfect, but it is a
foot in the door on the way to a policy of full legalization,” said
Israeli lawmaker Tamar Zandberg of the opposition party Meretz.
Chairing the Israeli parliament Special
Committee on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Ms. Zandberg has been a leading
advocate of marijuana legalization.
Getting caught with marijuana should not impact
the future of “a normative person who does not lead a criminal
lifestyle,” lawmakers wrote in an explanation accompanying the bill.
The explanatory note also says that marijuana
use has increased from 5.5% of those aged 18-40 in 2009 to 27% in 2016.
Among teenagers, the reported rise is from 5% to 10%.
Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan, who
introduced the bill, said policy should focus on education, prevention
and drug rehabilitation rather than criminalization.
“The goal is more even and efficient enforcement,” Mr. Erdan said.
If passed, the law would be in effect for a trial period of three years.
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