Cannabis and change – Owen Bonnici – Times of Malta

The government, through its reform, is at no stage advocating, promoting or incentivising the use of cannabis.

The bill we moved in parliament earlier this month presents a tangible change to our legal framework, which puts people first, and disrupts the supply of illegal drugs by organised crime.

I believe that the truly innovative aspect of this particular proposal is the fact that the law will clearly state that persons found in simple possession – that is, persons who are not deemed to be trafficking – cannot be arrested and cannot be subjected to criminal procedures.

In parallel, permitting non-profit associations, which will be cultivating cannabis for their members under strict rules, will drastically reduce individuals’ dependence on traffickers.

…Read the full story