Story highlights New policy would cut down on prosecution for recreational marijuana use

Proposed plan comes off heels of justice ministry recommendation

Jerusalem (CNN) Cannabis advocates scored a major victory in Israel on Thursday. In a move seen as a step toward marijuana decriminalization, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan announced a new policy that would cut down on prosecution for recreational use of the drug.

Speaking at a news conference in Tel Aviv , Erdan said the plan would usher in a "shift to decriminalization with responsibility."

Some European countries and US states already have embraced this approach, with a few even going as far as to legalize marijuana for recreational use.

The proposal comes on the heels of a Justice Ministry recommendation that marijuana use not be prosecuted criminally, but instead fined or punished by administrative sanctions.

The new policy would apply to users carrying up to 15 grams, roughly a half-ounce. If passed, first-time offenders would face a fine of 1000 shekels (about $265), with the offense not appearing on their criminal record. Those caught for a second time would see the fine double. If caught a third time, the punishment would be at the discretion of the police. On the fourth offense, the suspect could face criminal prosecution.

Vials of medicinal cannabis drops and other items for sale at a dispensary in Tel Aviv, Israel.

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