Public perception of guilt and deserved punishment in medical cannabis diversion

Abstract

Introduction: Illegal drug diversion is a well-documented social problem that has received little research attention, despite the growing use of medical cannabis (MC) worldwide. This study examines public attitudes towards the punishment of MC diversion in Israel.Method: We used a quantitative method. Participants were 399 Israelis who were given five scenarios of MC diversion to persons with and without a licence, with and without payment, and for personal profit.Results: Respondents' attitudes differed with respect to the guilt and deserved punishment of the traffickers as a function of whether the recipient did or did not have a licence and did or did not pay for the MC. Transfers to individuals without a licence and for payment were judged more harshly than those to individuals without payment, whether or not they had a licence. Discussion and Conclusion:The discussion addresses the findings with reference to Kohlberg's moral development theory. The findings of the study attest to the importance of public attitudes in shaping legal policy in Israel.

Public perceptions of medical cannabis diversion: A legal and moral dilemma

“…Following the sharp increase in the number of medical cannabis patients in Israel, together with the expected benefits of the consumption of medical cannabis, the phenomenon of diversion of medical cannabis between patients or for non-medical purposes has developed (Rozmann and Ne'eman-Haviv, 2023; Sznitman and Bretteville-Jensen, 2015; Zarhin, 2020). Despite knowledge about the existence of the phenomenon, there is no data on its prevalence.…”

“…Therefore, use of medical cannabis requires obtaining a license issued by the state (Zolotov et al, 2016). Unlike the diversion of other prescription medicines, which is considered a violation of the Pharmacists Ordinance and carries a maximum prison sentence of 3 years, the diversion of medical cannabis is considered a violation of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and drug trafficking, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison (Isralowitz et al, 2021; Rozmann and Ne'eman-Haviv, 2023).…”