New proposals in Malta will allow cannabis users to grow four plants in their homes and carry up to seven grams for personal use.
Maltese reforms minister Owen Bonnici announced that under the new legislation, over 18’s can carry up to seven grams without fear of prosecution.
Each household will be able to grow up to four plants, so long as they are not publically visible.
The intention of the reform is to deter the black market, rather than encourage cannabis culture, according to officials.
Reducing the stigma of cannabis use in Malta
“We want to reduce the suffering, humiliation and deprivation of other rights that many cannabis users have experienced when they have been subjected to arrest and judicial proceedings on possession of small amounts,” said Minister Bonnici.
The latest announcement covers so-called ‘cannabis associations’, non-profit organisations that will grow and distribute cannabis among their members. The Responsible Cannabis Use Authority must have given permission to and registered these associations.
Smoking cannabis in public will remain illegal, and smoking around minors will carry a €500 fine. Those who grow their own will be able to store up to 50 grams of dried plant.
Carrying between seven and 28 grams will not result in an arrest. However, it may trigger an appearance before the Commissioner for Justice and could carry penalties of between €50 and €100.
Anyone who currently has a criminal record for cannabis possession can have it struck from their record. They just need to submit a written request.
A win for cannabis activists
Cannabis regulation group, ReLeaf Malta’s president, Andrew Bonello, told Green Queen: “We are very happy about the announcement.
“The addition of the Cannabis Associations is so important because decriminalisation has typically been about having somewhere to go [to smoke cannabis], but now it is about not getting it from the black market.
“What is happening in Malta is unprecedented. Even in Portugal, where it is decriminalised, there is no way to get cannabis that doesn’t rely on the black market.”
ReLeaf Malta has been lobbying the government to increase the legal carry limit from 3.5 grams for many years. The latest reform marks a breakthrough for cannabis regulation.
Mr Bonello is confident that after discussions in parliament and budget meetings the bill will pass within months.
