Malta and Thailand legalize recreational cannabis – breaking cannabis news today

Attitudes towards recreational cannabis use are changing around the world. Last week Malta legalized recreational cannabis. Thailand did the same thing a little over a week ago. While all the details are not yet known, here is what we know about the new cannabis laws in Malta and Thailand.

Malta

Malta is the first country in the European Union to legalize recreational cannabis. Last Tuesday, December 14, 2021, the Maltese government voted on the reform of the cannabis law. Thirty-six votes were in favor of the bill and twenty-seven against. Some details have been announced and many more are to come. So far we know:

• Adults can carry up to seven grams of cannabis with them.
• A household can grow a maximum of four plants and store up to fifty grams of dried flowers.
• Smoking cannabis in public is illegal and could result in a fine of € 235 (CAD 340).
• Using cannabis in front of minors is illegal. Smoking cannabis in front of a person under the age of 18 will result in a fine of € 500 (CAD 723).
• If a minor is found in possession of cannabis there are no criminal consequences or fines. A treatment plan is presented to the minor.

Malta cannabis law reform – crime reduction

Of all the countries in the European Union, Malta is considered to be one of the more conservative. Ninety percent of the population identify as Roman Catholic. The question is, what moved Malta to take the European route and legalize recreational cannabis? Simply put, the government is updating its cannabis laws to affect the illicit drug trade, not the average cannabis user; The idea is to reduce drug trafficking by providing a safe and regulated source.

Thailand

In 2018, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize cannabis for medical purposes. Last week the government announced that it would remove cannabis from the list of prohibited narcotics. The new Narcotics Act came into force on December 9, 2021. According to Minister of Health and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, “We have so far achieved that cannabis stems, roots, leaves and branches are not drugs.” From next year we will remove everything – stems, roots, twigs, leaves, buds, flowers and seeds – from the narcotics list. “

Thailand Cannabis Law Reform – Boosting the Economy

In Thailand, a large part of the economy is generated from the tourism industry. As you can imagine, the pandemic is wreaking havoc. This step is being taken to stimulate the Thai agricultural industry. The goal is to recover economically, and the plan is to do that through cannabis.

• Citizens are encouraged to grow at home to supplement their income.
• There are no restrictions on the number of plants; However, every household must ask for permission before starting growing cannabis.

As early as next year, it will be legal in Thailand to grow, process and consume recreational cannabis.

Footnote (s)

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59660856
https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/population-demographic-situation-languages-and-religions-49_en
http://dpnsee.org/2021/12/15/malta-approves-legalisation-of-cannabis-for-personal-use/
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2230303