Two separate bills involving decriminalization of cannabis use and procurement both passed a Knesset preliminary vote on Wednesday.
The proposed bill tabled by Likud MK Sharren Haskel passed by a 61-11 majority and a similar proposal by Blue & White MK Ram Shefa passed by a 53-12 vote.
The ultra-Orthodox Shas and United Torah Judaism faction members and Jewish Home leader Rafi Peretz, who oppose the bill, walked out of the plenum during the vote as part of an agreement between them and coalition leader Miki Zohar to allow the legislation to be voted upon.
According to Haskel's proposal, possession of up to 50 grams of cannabis would be considered personal use and an administrative offense and not a criminal one. This means that the penalty would be a small fine as opposed to the existing three-year prison sentence.
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Likud MK Sharren Haskel and Blue & White MK Ram Shefa
(Photo: Avi Moalem, Knesset Spokesperson)
Shefa's proposal, which goes further than Haskel's, proposes that the personal possession of up to 15 grams be made completely legal and its procurement allowed over the age of 21 and in dedicated shops.
Haskel has said in recent interviews that she hopes to fast track the legislation and have it be made into law within several months.