Israel prepares to decriminalize cannabis

Israel is moving ahead with cannabis legalization, with the government considering fully decriminalize cannabis consumption by adults.

President Isaac Herzog and Justice Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced last Sunday that the government was also considering erasing the criminal records of people convicted of possession or personal use of cannabis, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Once the new regulations have been approved, Israelis convicted of possession or personal use of cannabis will be able to have their records expunged by submitting an application to the Ministry of Justice, which the President can then rule on.

Those subject to ongoing criminal proceedings will be able to contact the police and ask for proceedings to be dropped, but only for those with no other criminal record.

Last February, Gideon Sa'ar submitted a his plan to decriminalize cannabis, In a move designed to change the status of cannabis-related offences from a criminal to a civil offence, for public consultation. This measure will «remove the criminal label and the stain that accompanies it» and builds on a proposal that has been put forward to amend the Administrative Rules and Order Act.

Cannabis consumption is currently partially decriminalized in this Middle Eastern country. first two incidents resulting in fines and an indictment only for the fourth offence.

Once Gideon Sa'ar has signed the settlement - which should happen in the next few days - approval followed by immediate implementation is expected in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, shortly thereafter. The country is already looking since at least 2020 to legalize cannabis, while developing its national industry around therapeutic cannabis and the numerous research projects carried out on the plant.