Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Israel law
Cannabis laws in Eilat follow Israel’s national law. City pages reflect the same jurisdiction-wide cannabis framework; local ordinances typically do not override it.
Recreational use is illegal, though personal possession is decriminalized and private use is often not prosecuted. Medical cannabis is available with a permit for qualifying patients. Public consumption or larger amounts can still lead to fines or legal risk.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal but decriminalized for personal use
- Medical: Available with permit
- Possession: Private small amounts tolerated; public may incur fines
- Buying/Selling: Illegal outside medical system
- Tourists: Same restrictions; medical access limited
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Legislative History
Israel has one of the world's most advanced medical cannabis programs, legalized in the 1990s and significantly expanded since 2018 with regulated exports and pharmacy access for patients holding Ministry of Health permits. Personal possession of small amounts (up to 50 grams initially, later reduced) was decriminalized in 2019, treating first offenses as administrative fines rather than criminal charges, though public use and sales remain prohibited.
Law Enforcement
Several visits passed without a police encounter. Locals still warned that plainclothes officers blended in well.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Flower was hard to find. Being close to Egypt, Eilat had a reputation for excellent imported hash. The benches by the beach next to the big mall and boardwalk were a place to talk to people, including locals from the Bedouin community. The “nine times out of ten” claim was an enthusiastic estimate. If somebody had to leave to fetch the hash, handing over money first was a gamble. The clubs were another lead.
Marijuana Prices
About ₪100 for 4–5 g of hash, quoted as US$25 at the time. There was room to haggle, though a visitor without a connection might pay the full amount.
Types of Marijuana
Rock-hard black hash, usually potent and considered good value compared with elsewhere in Israel. Flower rarely came up.