What does the legalisation of marijuana in Malta consist of?
The law on legalisation of marijuana in Malta by the Maltese parliament. Since 14 December 2021, the law allows anyone over 18 years of age to carry a personal dose of up to 7g of marijuana and to grow up to four plants per household, without legal or judicial consequences.
With the legalisation of marijuana in Malta, the island has become the first country in the European Union and the first in the world to legalise marijuana. fifth worldwide to allow recreational use of the plant. Several countries around the world already allow medicinal and therapeutic use, but smoking it or consuming it in food remains taboo.
Malta's new marijuana legalisation law was strongly criticised by the conservative and opposition parties, who described the measure as a way to "normalise and increase drug use" in the country. Malta's Prime Minister, however, assured that drug trafficking would remain illegal.
Is it completely legal to consume marijuana in Malta?
A very important aspect of this law is that allows only home consumption of marijuana. This means that people who smoke on the street or in public spaces will still face a fine of €235, which can be increased to €500 if it is done in the presence of minors. Also, persons carrying more than the permitted amount of 7 grams will have to appear before a court, and in case of carrying more than 28 grams before a criminal court.
As far as home cultivation is allowed, the 4 plants may not be in view of other people, i.e. exposed on balconies or terraces. The maximum amount of dried marijuana that can be kept at home is 50 grams.
The law on the legalisation of marijuana in Malta also allows people who do not choose to grow at home, to be supplied through associations and non-profit organisations, which may be constituted by a maximum of 500 people and on the condition that they are not located near schools or youth clubs. The law also envisages private clubs for cannabis consumption and a regulatory body for this new activity.
Other aspects about Malta
Malta is internationally renowned for the opportunities it provides for international students to study and work. The offer of English courses y higher education programmes with a double degree.
Since the onset of the pandemic, it has stood out as being one of the countries that has invested the most of its GDP in financial support to companies and workers who have been affected by the health restrictions. It is also one of the fastest covid vaccination sites.
With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the Eurozone, it is estimated that by 2022, it will be the EU country with the highest economic growth and the fastest recovery to pre-pandemic levels. Stability, security and social development continue to attract people seeking to study and work in Malta.
