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Malta officially legalises cannabis in historic first for Europe

In an historic first for Europe, Malta has voted in a bill legalising adult use of cannabis.

After lengthy public consultation and three readings in parliament, Malta’s government has passed its reform bill, “Authority on the Responsible Use of Cannabis”, with a majority of 36 votes to 27. The development makes Malta the first European country to pass a legal regulatory framework for the adult use of cannabis.

Prior to this vote, possession of up to 3g of cannabis for personal use was decriminalised. Under the new law, citizens will be able to possess up to 7g of cannabis for personal use, cultivate up to four cannabis plants in the home and regulated cannabis clubs would be introduced where people could purchase the plant. It would also see the introduction of a regulatory body – the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis.

Penalties would still be implemented under the new bill, however, including fines for possession of more than 7g, court hearings for possession in excess of 28g, fines of up to €235 for public consumption of the plant and fines of €300 to €500 for consuming it in front of a minor.

Days before the final vote on the bill, a group of signatories, including the Nationalist Party, petitioned the Government of Malta to amend the bill as they believe it will harm society. The petitions committee chairman Joe Mizzi said the bill, which so far has over 9000 signatures, would not be discussed before today’s vote as it must be open for 60 days. 

In a social media post, hours before the vote, former leader of the Nationalist Party and former Prime Minister of Malta from 2004 to 2013, Lawrence Gonzi, said that he hoped the bill was not being passed to serve the interests of a select few. He proceeded to encourage those who signed the petition to attempt to remove the bill “as soon as possible”.

He stated: “I wholeheartedly agree with the position of the PN and the organizations that spoke out against the Cannabis law that will be submitted to Parliament for approval today. 

“I cannot understand how this Government has decided to set aside the advice of all the experts who have spoken out against this law. Nor can I understand how a supposedly socialist government that claims to seek the common good, abandons all this and takes this great risk that will surely have a very bad effect on our society as a whole and especially on our children. 

“I hope that all this is not being done to once again serve the interests of the few who are mindful of money instead of the interests of our children. If so, then even if you pass this law, someone has to think about getting rid of it as soon as possible by all legitimate methods.”

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