Israel, the forefront of research on medical marijuana and the drug's commercialization took a major step on Sunday toward officially decriminalizing its recreational use. After the decision, Israel is joining some US states and European countries who have adopted a similar approach.

According to The Fox News, The Israeli government voted on Sunday in favor of decriminalizing recreational marijuana use. The Israeli cabinet has approved a plan that would impose fines rather than criminal penalties on those caught using the drug using in public.

"Growing and selling marijuana, which is widely used here recreationally and medicinally, would remain illegal", said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On the other hand, he also pointed out that, the government understands the danger the danger of using this and will try to balance the two.

As per the new rules and regulations, people caught smoking marijuana would be fined rather than arrested and prosecuted. The government would be criminal procedure only against those caught repeatedly with the drug.

The Huffington Post has reported, until the decision on Sunday, people charged with marijuana could face heavy fines and even incarceration. Though, the official policy in recent years effectively amounted to decriminalization.

The news report has suggested Israel has been active for decades in studying the use of marijuana for the medical purpose. The government and private industry have been working to turn it into the major business, including for export.

The use of marijuana is common in Israel. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has reported that almost nine percent of Israelis use cannabis. Though some news report experts believe the number are higher.

The police figure report showed only 188 people were arrested in 2015 for recreational use of marijuana. The fifty-six percent drop since 2010, and many of those apprehended in that time but they were never charged.

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