Israel is planning to decriminalize the possession and private use of marijuana, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan announced Thursday, adopting a policy similar to certain European countries and U.S. states.

At a press conference, Erdan said that he will accept recommendations by the Anti-Drug Authority to pursue the “Portugal Model,” which treats possession and use of the drug as a health issue, rather than criminal offense.

In short, “this would mean moving to administrative fines, and criminal prosecution would only be a last resort,” Erdan explained.

While the proposal still needs to be approved by the cabinet, there is significant support for the relaxed restrictions among ministers.

According to the new guidelines, there will be no penalty for possession of less than 15 grams of marijuana. Public use of marijuana, however, will be subject to a series escalating penalties beginning with a fine for the first violation, and ending with prosecution for repeated use.

A first offense will incur a 1,000 NIS ($260) fine, which will double for a second offense. Someone caught publicly using marijuana a third time could still avoid prosecution by accepting certain punitive measures, including the loss of gun and driving licenses and participation in a rehabilitation program. Only after four violations will an offender be subject to an automatic indictment.

“I don’t take this issue lightly,” Erdan said. “We need to make sure that we limit the criminal procedures while increasing education about the [drug’s potential negative] effects.”

Erdan’s announcement comes days after the Justice Ministry issued a recommendation to decriminalize possession of marijuana. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked noted that while it is difficult to continue considering marijuana usage a criminal activity due to its ubiquity, the fines would ensure that it is still officially disapproved by the government.

Israel is considered to be a world leader in medical marijuana research, with almost nine percent of the country using cannabis, according to United Nations figures. Earlier this month, Ariel University announced that it will be offering a course in the history and use of medical cannabis.

[Photo: Tomer Neuberg / Flash90 ]