420 with CNW – Israeli Marijuana Legalization Bills Jump First Hurdle

June 24, 2020 03:25:13

The past few years have been good for cannabis. Prohibited for decades in most territories, cannabis has seen a slew of positive legislative changes, with a number of countries legalizing the substance in various capacities. Israel has taken the first tentative steps towards legalization after the Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved two bills on Sunday that would decriminalize the possession and personal use of cannabis in the country.

Now past its first hurdle to becoming law, the legislation would decriminalize the possession of up to 50 grams of marijuana and legalize the possession and consumption of up to 15 grams by individuals above the age of 21, with the exception of those who work in security positions. It will also be prohibited to drive while using or under the influence of cannabis. Additionally, an advocacy fund will be set up to educate people in schools about the dangers of using cannabis and to prevent addictions, and all advertising restrictions relating to tobacco will apply to cannabis products as well.

Waiting for the Ministerial Committee’s decision on the bills early Sunday morning, co-sponsor Likud lawmaker Sharren Haskel stated that it “would be big news in the fight for over a million citizens and tens of thousands of patients waiting for the day the State of Israel ceases to treat them as criminals.” She co-sponsored the bills with Kahol Lavan lawmaker Rema Shefa, and they will be brought to the Knesset for a preliminary vote on Wednesday. Kahol Lavan seeks to legalize the possession of certain amounts of cannabis and is examining the possibility of establishing cannabis dispensaries similar to Amsterdam’s coffee shops.

Speaking on the bills’ approval, Haskel said that “for the first time in the state of Israel’s history, my legislative move is officially beginning to regulate the cannabis market in Israel,” adding that she was proud to bring good news to the over one million cannabis users and the tens of thousands of sick people who use cannabis as a treatment in the country. She had said in previous interviews that the law will get final approval within months, and she wrote on social media that it had been a “difficult road, full of struggles politically and in the media, but the determination and persistence have paid off.”

“Many sick people and other cannabis users will soon be able to breathe easier,” Shefa said. “Israel will soon join liberal countries like Holland and Canada. It is taking a big step toward full legalization.”

Analysts say cannabis industry actors, such as Sugarmade, Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD), will be hoping that prohibition ends in Israel soon enough so that patients and recreational cannabis users can exercise their right to consume cannabis without the risk of being arrested and jailed.

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