Malta is the first European country to legally approve the recreational use of cannabis for adults. The historic turning point came with a vote in the Labor-majority parliament on the reform presented by the government led by Prime Minister Robert Abela. The intent is to "reduce the harm", in the sense of fighting organized crime that holds the monopoly on illegal trafficking, and also decriminalize the "responsible" use of cannabis. 36 votes in favor, 27 against.

There were also about 40 NGOs that signed a petition asking for changes in the process, and all of them were rejected. Among these was, for example, the request for a ceiling on the amount of Thc (tetrahydroxycannabinol, the active ingredient in cannabis). Roof that, evidently, would have left a door open to the black market.

The reform now needs a step, the signature of the President of the Republic George Vella, a doctor who in the past had spoken out against legalization.

The law allows the consumption, the holding up to 7 grams, the cultivation of up to 4 plants and the creation of non-profit associations for the joint cultivation of the plants. On the other hand, consumption in public and in the presence of minors is prohibited.

Self-producer clubs, unlike Dutch coffee shops, will not be able to advertise and will be able to sell the product exclusively to their members. In the Netherlands the consumption of cannabis is legal, while the sale is simply tolerated and the coffee shops operate thanks to the custom that "bears" their supplies. Also in Spain the consumption is legal and the sale of small quantities is not sanctioned. In Luxembourg the government presented a proposal for the legalization of personal use.

(Unioneonline / ss)