The law would not apply to minors, those with a criminal record, and members of the armed forces. Underage offenders would be required to complete a drug rehabilitation program.
Member of the Knesset (MK) Meirav Ben-Ari, who also serves on the Labor, Health and Welfare Committee, told the media that she hopes the penalties levied will benefit those experiencing negative consequences of drug use.
I definitely hope that the money [collected] from the fines will be allocated for the establishment of a fund for education, information, treatment, and rehabilitation of [drug] addicts, instead of taking the money to the state’s funds,
this [current] policy of people over 21… getting a police file” for using cannabis should end, and that “we are here to fix this… to not turn these people into criminals.
Israel is known for its active cannabis community for years. Nine percent of Israelis use cannabis, according to The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. More than 25,000 residents have received a license from the government to use cannabis medicinally.
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