Israel has been a world leader in the history marijuana research and has tweaked its laws as findings, need and demand for pot has increased during the past couple of decades.
Here are four dates in the history of the nation's marijuana policy.
1. Medical marijuana was approved for use in Israel in 1999, but possessing marijuana in Israel remains illegal. Penalties for personal use — quantities up to 15 grams per person — are not severe,
iMarijuana.com reported.
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2. Medicinal marijuana use is not illegal if a person has a permit or license from the country's Ministry of Health, which began the program providing free marijuana to those with certain conditions in 2007.
3. In 2009, lawmakers in Israel ordered the Ministry of Health to expand the country's medical marijuana program,
according to NORML, an organization that advocates legalizing marijuana use. In that same year, the first hospital in Israel, Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, was authorized to treat its patients with cannabis.
4. In 2011, government officially recognized marijuana's therapeutic uses. It also amended production and use regulations inside the country. In a statement, the prime minister noted,
according to NORML: '“The Cabinet today approved arrangements and supervision regarding the supply of cannabis for medical and research uses. This is in recognition that the medical use of cannabis is necessary in certain cases. The Health Ministry will – in coordination with the Israel Police and the Israel Anti-Drug Authority – oversee the foregoing and will also be responsible for supplies from imports and local cultivation.”
Kosher-certified medicinal marijuana products are available in Israel to those who are licensed to receive the drugs,
according to The Forward Association.
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