Israel announces its intention to legalize cannabis

The two main parties that make up the new Israeli government, Likud and the Blue and White Party, announced Tuesday that they would begin working toward further legalization of cannabis use, one week after the Minister of Police supported the relaxation the enforcement of existing laws.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, announced in a joint statement that they would move forward with legislation «to resolve the issue of decriminalization and legalization,» apparently referring to the recreational use of cannabis. Regulation will be implemented «through a responsible model that is appropriate for the State of Israel and the Israeli public,» the statement said.

The press release also mentioned the decision to make it easier for patients to access cannabis-based treatments and from producers to production licenses.

The bill will be introduced by Blue and White Knesset Member Ram Shefa and Likud Knesset Member Sharren Haskel, and will be presented to the Ministerial Committee on Legislation «as soon as possible and following organized groundwork,» which is expected to take about four months.

The report says that Haskel and Shefa met and agreed on the broad outlines of the reform:

• Cannabis use will be permitted only for individuals 21 years of age and older, with the exception of workers in security-related jobs
• Driving under the influence of cannabis will be prohibited
• Designated stores will sell cannabis
• There will be strict restrictions on cannabis advertising, just as there are for cigarettes
• and an educational fund will be established to educate people—especially schoolchildren—about the dangers of drugs and drug addiction