Israel has long dominated the cannabis industry in terms of breakthrough research and an emerging marketplace. It seems that Israel is taking steps toward the legalization of recreational cannabis, with the government considering fully decriminalizing adult use. President Isaac Herzog and Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Sunday that the government is also considering expunging criminal records of those convicted of personal possession or cannabis use, The Jerusalem Post reported. Once the new regulations are approved, Israelis with a possession or personal use conviction will be able to have their records cleared upon submitting a request with the Justice Ministry, once it is filed for the president to decide upon. In February, Sa’ar submitted his decriminalization of marijuana plan, which seeks to recategorize cannabis-related offenses from criminal to civil offenses, for public comment, according to the news outlet. The move will “lift the criminal labeling and the stain that accompanies it” and it builds on a proposal that was put forward to amend the Administrative Rules and Order law.’ Currently, cannabis use is partially decriminalized in the Middle Eastern country, with the first two incidents resulting in fines and an indictment filed only upon the fourth offense.
Benzinga Staff Writer, The Fresh Toast, 03/07/2022 14:00:00