Malta officially becomes the first country to end cannabis prohibition in Europe

Just a few days after the Maltese Parliament approved a bill to legalize cannabis, President George Vella signed the law last Saturday.

Malta thus becomes the first European country to end cannabis prohibition.

Under legislation sponsored by MP Owen Bonnici, adults aged 18 and over will be allowed to possess up to 7 grams of cannabis and grow up to 4 plants for personal use. It will be possible to store up to 50 grams of home-grown cannabis.

Although there is no commercial market as such, Cannabis Clubs will be able to grow cannabis and distribute it to their members. They can have up to 500 members and will be limited to distributing 7 grams per day to each member, with a maximum of 50 grams per month. They will also be able to distribute up to 20 cannabis seeds per member per month.

Possession of more than 7 grams but less than 28 grams by an adult will be punishable by a fine of €50 to €100, with no risk of a prison sentence or criminal record. Minors found in possession of cannabis will be referred to a justice commission for a «care plan», rather than being arrested.

«The entry into force of this robust legislative framework underscores this government's willingness to take bold decisions by implementing wise and unprecedented reforms to bring about change and social justice in the interests of society as a whole,» said Bonnici in an press release.

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