Marijuana on way to being decriminalized after minister backs move

RAOUL WOOTLIFF

Gilad Erdan accepts anti-drug body’s recommendation to cut down on prosecution for recreational use, cabinet likely to make move official

Young Israelis gathered at the Rose Garden in front of the Knesset, to smoke weed, on the international ‘4:20’ marijuana smoking day, in a demonstration to legalize the drug, in Jerusalem, on April 20, 2016. (Hadas Parush/Flash90)

In a move seen as paving the way for marijuana to be decriminalized, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said Thursday he plans to dramatically change the way the Israeli penal code treats private, recreational use of the drug.
Speaking at a press conference to announce his decision, Erdan said he will be adopting proposals put forward by the Anti-Drug Authority to adopt the “Portugal Model,” in which possession and use of the drug would be decriminalized and treated largely as a health issue.
“This would mean moving to administrative fines, and criminal prosecution would only be a last resort,” Erdan said.

The new tack will need to clear the cabinet, but with many lawmakers backing decriminalization, the move is seen as likely to gain ministerial approval.

Under the proposal, home use and possession of marijuana would carry no punishment but those caught smoking in public could be subject to a series of punitive measures.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan announcing new measures to decriminalize marijuana use, January 26, 2017. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)

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