Owen Bonnici, Maltese Minister behind the legalization of cannabis in Malta called on the leaders of European countries to legalize cannabis in an interview for Euronews. The Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation, and former Minister for Justice, says the measure would end the activities of criminal gangs and unnecessary prosecution of cannabis users.
Owen Bonnici said Malta can provide a model for other European countries on how to move out of prohibition to tackle a number of the problems it poses.
What is the content of the Maltese legalization?
The new law passed by the Maltese Parliament in December 2021 allows the consumption of cannabis by adults, while public possession of 7 grams will no longer be prohibited.
Maltese people will be able to grow their own cannabis, up to 4 plants per household. The Maltese government has also promised to expunge the criminal records of those convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use.
Cannabis Clubs, limited to 500 members, will be able to cultivate 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 for now there will be no business model for selling cannabis. Luxembourg has also decided to authorize the personal use of cannabis (cultivation and consumption), without place of consumption.
Italians should soon be called upon to vote in a referendum on the legalization of cannabis, after an associative initiative has reached the required number of signatures to be placed on the ballot.
In Germany, the new coalition has integrated the legalization of cannabis, which it has confirmed that it wants to implement within the next four years.
