Sedqa has stated that through the published white paper, the government seems to be sitting on the fence between decriminalisation and legalization and the result is a position which is neither here nor there.
Sedqa, together with the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, said that it is totally in agreement with the proposal to decriminalise the use of cannabis.
In a document titled ‘FSWS – Sedqa’s Position on the Cannabis Reform White Paper’, it stated that Malta cannot have a situation where young people aged 21 years and over may use cannabis freely because it is no longer a criminal act while those under 21 are still penalised because cannabis use would still be a criminal act for them.
It also added that it does not condone the legalisation of any psychoactive substance due to the risk of normalisation of use, likely increased consumption and the concomitant risk in of developing substance use disorder.
Further to its public health stance, Sedqa believes that adults below the age of 21 should not consume any type of psychoactive substance whether it be legal or not.
Sedqa said that its management only participated in one discussion with the former Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Reforms way back in January, 2018.
Sedqa welcomed the government’s drive towards decriminalisation, as both the full decriminalisation for possession of up to 7 grams of cannabis and partial decriminalisation for between 7 to 28 grams of cannabis for personal use since this would significantly reduce criminal proceedings.
These places need to be controlled to make sure that minors are not allowed in, people who are getting too intoxicated are advised to stop using cannabis, and people who may feel ill may be referred to a medical centre.