Author: Johnny Green

Cannabis legalization is on the move throughout the globe. As it stands right now, only two countries have legalized cannabis for adult use (Uruguay and Canada), however, several other countries are moving in the right direction when it comes to pushing for cannabis legalization.

Two other countries, Mexico and Italy, have seen court decisions rendered which declared cannabis prohibition unconstitutional, so those two countries will join the list of legalized nations once they get measures passed and implemented.

Another nation, Israel, could join the list of legalized countries sooner rather than later. Per JPost:

The Ministerial Committee on Legislation decided on Sunday to advance two separate bills that would legalize cannabis, guaranteeing the coalition’s support for them in the Knesset.

The bills were submitted by Likud MK Sharren Haskel and Blue and White MK Ram Shefa. Haskel said she has fought for the bill for five years but her persistence on behalf of what she said are more than a million cannabis users paid off.

Israel has a long history when it comes to cannabis research and medical cannabis policy. However, it has been slow to move towards full legalization, as Likud MK Sharren Haskel pointed out.

If/when Israel legalizes cannabis for adults, it will hopefully encourage other countries to follow suit. Cannabis prohibition is a failed public policy, both inside the borders of Israel, and beyond.

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.