Marijuana decriminalization leaps first legislative hurdle
First- and second-time offenders to be hit with fines, rather than criminal penalties, under new government proposal
The Times of Israel (Israel)
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Lawmakers advanced a proposal to decriminalize personal recreational marijuana use, imposing fines rather than criminal penalties for first and second-time offenders. The proposal cleared its first reading in the Knesset with 38 MKs in favors, and none opposed. It must still pass another two readings to become law. Under the proposal backed by Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, whose office oversees the police, first-time offenders would be charged a NIS 1,000 ($265) fine but would not have a criminal case filed them. That sum would be doubled on the second offense.
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