Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Israel law
Cannabis laws in Jerusalem 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
Smoking in bars, in the street or on campus sometimes went unnoticed. Police seemed to have bigger priorities. A large amount could still make a stop serious.
Where to Buy Marijuana
The spot nicknamed “Crack Square” was near Sbarro, across from the Coffee Bean on Jaffa Street. It came up mostly at night. Handing cash to somebody who said they’d go and fetch it was a gamble.
Marijuana Prices
- About ₪100 for roughly 4 g of hash, then about US$25. This was often the smallest bag, with little discount in bulk.
- Decent flower was once quoted at ₪130 for 1 g, then about US$33.
Types of Marijuana
Hash, hash and more hash. Weights tended to be by eye rather than by scales. In one year, flower turned up just twice: a bag that looked mostly like seeds, and some decent nuggets at the higher price.
More Information
People melted hash into cigarette tobacco. The improvised water bong could be a bent Coke bottle with black water and a hash-tobacco mix. Yuck. Hash brought back from India by backpackers was a better surprise.