Malta considers decriminalizing cannabis

The Maltese government has announced its intention to «legalize» the responsible use of cannabis by authorizing a quantity limit for possession and possibly by authorizing self-cultivation. Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged to present a bill as the «final step» in the decriminalization consultation process.

«The envisaged reform will propose to eliminate police arrests for cannabis for personal use,» the Prime Minister's office told Lovin Malta in a written statement.

«By pushing possession limits to reasonable levels, consumers will avoid police questioning and prosecution. The government is also considering allowing the cultivation of a small number of plants strictly for personal use.»

«The functions of the Drug Court will be reviewed and improved. Smoking in public will remain prohibited», said the Prime Minister, adding that the government was committed to holding an open discussion with all stakeholders «to get the best possible law».

The Prime Minister's comments come just days after the arrest of two teenagers caught smoking pot in a hotel room on Valentine's Day. The arrest sparked outrage and calls from all quarters, including Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, for laws to be changed and police resources to be put to better use.