Maltese minister urges European countries to legalize cannabis

Owen Bonnici, the Maltese minister behind Legalization of cannabis in Malta called on European leaders to legalize cannabis in an interview for Euronews. The Minister of Equality, Research, and Innovation—and former Minister of Justice—states that this measure would put an end to the activities of criminal gangs and unnecessary prosecutions of cannabis users.

Owen Bonnici said that Malta can serve as a model for other European countries on how to move away from prohibition in order to address a number of problems it causes.

What does the Maltese legalization process entail?

The New Law passed by the Maltese Parliament in December 2021 allows adults to use cannabis, while public possession of 7 grams will no longer be prohibited.

Maltese residents will be allowed to grow their own cannabis, up to four plants per household. The Maltese government has also promised to expunge the criminal records of those who have been convicted of possessing cannabis for personal use.

Cannabis clubs, limited to 500 members, will be able to grow and distribute cannabis to their members, with a maximum of 50 grams per month per person.

Malta is the first European country to legalize cannabis, although there will be no commercial model for selling cannabis for the time being. Luxembourg, too, has, decided to allow personal use of cannabis (cultivation and consumption), with no place of consumption.

The Italians are expected to be called upon to vote soon a referendum on the legalization of cannabis, following a citizens' initiative has reached the required number of signatures to be included on the ballot.

In Germany, the The new coalition has included the legalization of cannabis in its platform, which she confirmed she intends to implement over the next four years.