The new Malta legislative initiative makes it the first country in Europe to legalize cannabis. According to the Guardian, Luxembourg quickly catchs up with the Netherlands in relations with hemp through amendments to its drug legislation.
According to the new law, persons aged 18 years of age are allowed to own up to seven grams of hemp, as well as grow up to four plants in their own homes, keeping up to 50 g of dried product.
The Malta Parliament is expected to vote for this initiative today, and the final admission of the law will take place by the end of the week. Owen Bonnitsa, the minister responsible for this decision, said The Guardian:
"Now it is time to understand that a strict approach to cannabis consumption was too rigid, unfair, and has caused a lot of suffering to those who lead a legitimate life but use hemp."
The Minister also spoke about internal discussions in the government regarding the regulation of cannabis strength, ascertaining:
"We have a wide discussion on this issue. We have come to the conclusion that establishing restrictions on cannabis strength, including TGC levels, will lead to a new black market."
Malta joins a number of European countries moving in the direction of marijuana legalization. Recently, Germany has announced its intention to create a legally regulated market, as well as Switzerland and the Netherlands have expressed similar intentions. Italy is also planned to hold a referendum, while Canada, Mexico and 18 US states have already implemented similar laws.
