Israel has been at the forefront of the cannabis world for over a decade. It’s home to some of the most advanced cannabis research centers in the world as well as some of the oldest medicinal cannabis companies. Tikun Olam was the first company to grow and supply medical marijuana in Israel, and it set the pace internationally.
Cannabis in Israel
Israel has led the way forward in cannabis research. Notably, Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoualm was the first to isolate tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as well as the cannabinoid 2-AG and anandamide in 1964.
The Bills to Legalize Recreational Weed in Israel Were Rejected by a Very Narrow Margin
In the past year, Israel has been at a political stalemate when it comes to legalizing recreational cannabis for personal use. In July 2021, Israeli lawmakers rejected a bill that would have fully decriminalized recreational cannabis use. This bill, alongside two others, would have legalized buying cannabis via authorized retail stores. In addition, it would have legalized possession of up to 15 grams of cannabis and decriminalized possession of up to 50 grams.
Photo by GRAS GRÜN on Unsplash
As it stands, the penalties for using cannabis in public don’t usually include jail time. Typically, it includes fines of up to 1000 NIS (approximately $310) for a first offense, and 2000 NIS (approximately $620) for a second offense. The third offense leads to mandatory rehab, and incarceration is on the table after the fourth offense.
Small-scale possession of cannabis in Israel has been decriminalized, but it’s only a first step.
Additionally, medical marijuana is legal for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, immunotherapy, or radiology; Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, AIDS (HIV), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Tourette’s Syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Cannabis is Wildly Popular in Israel
More than a quarter of Israel’s adult population consumes weed, making it a country with one of the highest rates of cannabis users, globally. Although it remains illegal, recreational marijuana is so popular that Israelis can order cannabis on their smartphone through the underground network.
Photo by Terre di Cannabis on Unsplash
Telegrass, a cannabis and drug distribution network, has been used by more than 100,000 people to purchase recreational marijuana, illegally. One message on Telegram, an encrypted messaging app, and weed will arrive within the hour. The founder, Amos Silver, has dual American and Israeli citizenship and operates remotely from California.
Telegrass is a Highly-Illegal Criminal Organization
A police report revealed that between March 2017 and November 2018, 4,659 dealers sold 4.12 tons of marijuana through Telegrass. They closed more than 505,680 deals with a revenue of $79 million.
Before joining the network, dealers must go through a stringent vetting process. Applicants need to provide multiple means of identification, including a selfie, a photo of their ID card, and, in certain cases, a photo of a salary slip. Applicants also needed to record a video of themselves and their product.
In addition, Telegrass used in-house software to ensure that applicants were not connected to the police in any way. Regardless of these precautions, 42 people in top management positions were arrested in 2019.
“I feel no responsibility with regard to the criminal aspect. They’re all big boys and girls; you chose this occupation. I also don’t get excited when people send me hysterical messages: ‘My friend was arrested,’ or ‘I’ve been arrested.’ That’s part of the risk and everyone knows it. It’s on the table. No one is hiding it. Statistically, a certain percentage will be caught by the police, and people also know that statistically, a certain percentage will be stung. Those are things that happen.”
Amos Silver
Ironically, Silver flew to Ukraine to attend a wedding and was promptly arrested and extradited to Israel. He’s remained there for the past two years and awaits trial.
Despite Silver’s arrest, it remains easy to order weed via smartphone. Several different organizations are available to nationals and tourists who wish to buy illegally.
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