EU: Malta legalises cannabis at home and for personal use

Malta has become the first country in European Union to legalise cannabis at home and for personal use.

Highlights

• Under the new law, Malta has allowed people aged 18 and above to have up to seven grams of cannabis.
• They would also be allowed to grow up to four plants at home.
• The legislation also allows various non-profit organisations comprising of up to 500 people to grow the drug for their members.

Can they consume cannabis in public?

No. Consumption of cannabis in public is still illegal and punishable by a 235 euro fine. Furthermore, consuming the cannabis in front of a child, either in public or at home, would attract a penalty of 300 and 500 euros.

Penalties on larger amounts

• The law further provides easier penalties for people found with larger amounts of the drug.
• Adults in possession of 7 to 28 grams of cannabis for their personal use would have to face a tribunal rather than court. They could also be fined with a maximum of100 euro.
• Minors who will be caught with cannabis will be referred to a tribunal. It might lead to a care plan or treatment.

Which countries have legalised recreational use of cannabis?

Countries that have legalized recreational use of cannabis include- Canada, Georgia, Mexico, Malta, Uruguay and South Africa. Apart from that, 18 states, 2 territories & District of Columbia in United States have legalised it. Australian Capital Territory in Australia have also legalised recreational use of the drug.

Schedule I drug

Under the Single Convention treaty, Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug. Schedule I drug means that, signatories can allow its medical use. However, it is considered to be an addictive drug having a serious risk of abuse.

What is Cannabis?

As per World Health Organisation, cannabis is a generic term denoting the several psychoactive preparations of Cannabis sativa plant. It is the most widely cultivated, trafficked and abused illicit drug worldwide, by far. Major psychoactive constituent of cannabis is Delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2021