The Cabinet of Ministers of Israel has abolished criminal penalties for recreational marijuana use at its weekly meeting Sunday that was perceived positively by politicians from across the spectrum.

Under the new policy, violators who use marijuana in public will be subject to a fine of approximately $ 250, but not will face criminal charges. The money will be used for the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Second offense be punished with a fine in the amount of approximately $ 500, while the third offense may require rehabilitation and deprivation of the driving license. The fourth offense will be subject to prosecution and possible imprisonment.

Israel's decision to decriminalize marijuana use occurs as global views of drugs are changing rapidly. Over 20 countries are exploring changes to their laws on marijuana in the United States currently, 8 States and the district of Columbia allow you to sell products, to relax and to appoint medical prescriptions. Worldwide many countries have already decriminalized marijuana in an attempt to solve the social problems associated with its use, including the Netherlands, Mexico, Czech Republic, Costa Rica and Portugal.

"This is an important step, but it's not the end of the road," said Tamar Zandberg of the left-wing party Meretz. Sandberg is also the Chairman of the Committee on drug and alcohol abuse. "This is the message that millions of Israelis who consume marijuana are not criminals".

Israel is one of the world leaders in the field of medical marijuana with the support of the Ministry of health, whose ultra-Orthodox leader encourages research and innovation. The Ministry of public security recommended the decriminalization of marijuana earlier this year. Sunday's announcement marked the official adoption of the policy.
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents