Malta will be first EU nation to legalize cannabis

However, Malta’s opposition Nationalist Party voted against the change.

In October, its leader Bernard Grech – who initially supported the new law – warned it would “only lead to the strengthening of the illegal market, with organized crime taking advantage,” according to The Times.

Opponents have called on Malta’s president, George Vella, not to sign it into law, which is the final, ceremonial stage.

Under the changes, anyone carrying more than seven grams, but less than 28g could be fined up to €100 (£85; $112).

The punishment for smoking in public will be a €235 fine, and those smoking cannabis in front of anyone younger than 18 could be fined up to €500.

Associations will be set up to distribute the drug or seeds to cultivate cannabis, therefore regulating how much someone buys – and a person can only be a member of one association.

There is also support for minors who are found with cannabis. They will be recommended a care plan or treatment as opposed to facing arrest or criminal charges.

The move by Malta, the EU’s smallest member state, is likely to be the first of a number of nations changing their cannabis laws after the UN last year reclassified cannabis to recognize its therapeutic uses.

The governments of Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland have all announced plans to establish a legally regulated market.

Cannabis is still technically illegal in the Netherlands, which is famous for its cannabis cafes. However, there is a tolerance for the drug when it is sold in coffee shops.

Italy will hold a referendum on the issue next year, while South Africa, Mexico, Jamaica, Portugal, and a number of US states already have similar legislation in place.

Uruguay was the first country in the world to legalize cannabis for personal use in 2013, followed by Canada in 2018.

Original Article: BBC

Feature image by: Karl Paul Baldacchino