Israels Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said on Thursday that he supports the decriminalization of marijuana use. The minister said he is adopting the conclusions of a panel he tasked with reviewing the matter.
The new policy would still require the cabinet’s approval because it should be coordinated with other government ministries, Erdan said.
The panel recommended shifting focus from criminal prosecution of users to administrative fines and educational campaigns. Criminal prosecution, he said, should only be used as a last resort.
The panel recommended giving a 1,000-shekel ($265) fine to anyone caught using marijuana for the first time, with the offence not going on his criminal record.
By Yaniv Kubovich
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