Cannabis Decriminalization Bill Delayed In Israel

Israel has long been a leader when it comes to medical cannabis research. After all, Israel is where renowned scientist, and International Cannabis Business Conference speaker alumni, Raphael Mechoulam became the first person to ever isolate the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol.

Cannabis prohibition throughout the globe has resulted in medical cannabis research efforts being hindered in most countries. Many of the significant scientific breakthroughs in cannabis research have occurred in Israel because the country embraces it.

Unfortunately, some of Israel’s other cannabis policies have not matched its cannabis research policies. Specifically, Israel still prohibits cannabis for adult-use purposes. A bill that would address the current prohibition policy was expected to receive consideration recently, however, that vote was delayed. Per JPost:

The Ministerial Committee on Legislation postponed for a week a bill that would decriminalize cannabis, due in part to a dispute between Likud and Blue and White.

The bill was initiated by Likud MK Sharren Haskel, who was appointed to work on cannabis legislation jointly with Blue and White MK Ram Shefa. But Haskel still hoped to advance the bill that she submitted before the partnership.

It is unclear what the chances are of the bill passing, or for that matter if it will even receive consideration any time soon. The bill vote was initially delayed by a week, yet it’s quite possible that the delay could linger longer if political disagreements continue.

Israel is well-positioned to become an international leader for cannabis commerce, just as it already is for research. However, that will not happen until prohibition ends in Israel for its citizens.