Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Israel law
Cannabis laws in Jaffa 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
I saw plenty of marked police cars in Jaffa, though I didn’t get the impression they were generally out looking for smokers or dealers.
Where to Buy Marijuana
In the circles I knew in Jaffa, hash was common and people were happy to introduce you to someone. I met plenty of people who didn’t want the police involved.
Marijuana Prices
Jaffa, at the south end of Tel Aviv, had some of the lowest prices I’d seen in Israel. A “finger” of strong hash, about enough for ten cigarettes as we used it, cost 100 shekels (then around US$20). Ordinary grass was harder to find but cost about one shekel a gram, or 50 shekels for 50 grams (then around US$10).
Types of Marijuana
I came across hash sold as Afghan, Iraqi or Iranian, and sometimes Moroccan or jaras. There was also hydro, though ordinary grass was less common than hash.
More Information
In Arabic I heard “fi ishi rayeh jaie?” or “Is anything going around?” In Hebrew it was “yesh kivun le grass,” roughly “Do you know where to find grass?” Kiosks carried different versions of the short test-tube bong. In the Jaffa circles I knew, people smoked until the ash pulled through into the water and left the tube empty.