Israeli Legislators Consult Brauchler On Marijuana Regulation

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO — A Colorado district attorney spoke with an Israeli committee on Sept. 22 to offer insight into marijuana legalization.

In a Zoom call, 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler met with members of the Israeli legislature — the Knesset. Israel approved medical cannabis in 2016, and now legislators are looking toward decriminalization and regulation of recreational marijuana.

As district attorney of Colorado’s most-populous judicial district since voters passed Amendment 64 in 2012, Brauchler was in a unique position to offer perspective and guidance to the Knesset’s Special Committee on Drugs and Alcohol.

“We have seen the professionalization of the black market for marijuana, with people coming to Colorado from other states and other countries,” Brauchler told the committee.

“Because we were the first state to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana, we became an exporting hub for entrepreneurs operating outside the legal framework.”

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Brauchler talked about some of the difficulties created by people being allowed to grow large quantities of marijuana in their homes, as well as increases in some crimes and mental health issues.

Committee members asked questions about marijuana-impaired driving, cannabis taxation and juvenile use. The members also asked for Brauchler’s advice as they move forward.

“Be sure to have metrics in place, and be sure to address potency. Create a regulatory environment for cultivation as well as retail sales,” he told the Israeli legislators.

“The black market never goes away. But it is an affront to the legal system, and you need to protect those who are trying to follow the law.”

Chairwoman Michal Kotler-Wench, of the Blue and White Party, facilitated the Sept. 22 discussion. She thanked Brauchler for the insight.

“We understand that in Israel, we must have an orderly plan (for marijuana decriminalization and legalization), otherwise the process will fail,” the chairwoman said.