In Jerusalem, the black market for cannabis remains a thriving underground economy, where every disruption in supply is immediately felt in rising prices. For those without a medical license, reliance on this illicit trade is unavoidable, and the delicate balance of supply and demand is constantly under threat. A large-scale police raid in the South, near Bror Hayil, has once again raised pressing questions about cannabis consumption, prices, and the debate over legalization – and its impact is reaching the streets of Jerusalem.
Cannabis prices in Jerusalem
Searches like “cannabis prices Jerusalem” and “black market cannabis Israel” reveal the scale of public concern. Prices fluctuate rapidly depending on availability, and every drop in supply translates into higher costs – often accompanied by reduced quality. For young residents and students in the capital, this creates a tangible burden, and fears are mounting that the recent seizure could trigger a fresh surge in prices.
Cannabis legalization in Israel
The debate over cannabis legalization resurfaces with each major bust. Advocates argue that legalizing would weaken the black market, lower prices, and ensure regulation and quality control. Critics point to the complexity of building a framework of health, education, and enforcement that can manage widespread consumption. In Jerusalem, where demand persists despite the law, the issue has particular urgency.
Southern cannabis field raid
The latest case illustrates the breadth of the problem. Border Police and Sderot station officers, acting on intelligence, uncovered a field with around 800 cannabis plants ready for harvest near Bror Hayil. Three suspects from the Bedouin community were arrested on the spot after being detected by a police drone. Their vehicle was seized along with cultivation equipment.
(Cannabis cookies – three children in Jerusalem hospital)
Border Police fight against illegal cannabis
Police officials emphasize that this seizure is part of a wider national effort to dismantle illegal cannabis farms and strengthen governance in the South. Yet the economic ripple effects extend far beyond the Negev – directly into Jerusalem, where each hit to supply intensifies instability in the black market.
