Malta is about to become the first country in Europe to legalize weed

By Nina Zdinjak

Malta is on the verge of becoming the first country in Europe to legalize the cultivation and possession of cannabis for personal use.

The first country? What about the Netherlands?

While the Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, are most commonly associated with cannabis use in Europe, owning and trafficking in marijuana is technically illegal there, despite the fact that the Dutch government is well known for its loose stance.

Photo by Mike Nahlii via Unsplash

Proposed rules in Malta

Malta’s draft law allows the possession of up to 7g of cannabis, home growing of up to four plants, and storage of up to 50g of dried marijuana for anyone over the age of 18. Those found in possession of up to 28 grams, however, have to pay a fine of 50 to 100 €, but do not have a criminal record.

The minor in possession will not be arrested but must submit to a judicial commission to develop a recommended care plan. The consumption of weed near children is punishable by a fine of 300-500 €.

The law was passed by the Maltese Parliament on Tuesday and is expected to be signed by the President soon.

Owen Bonnici, the minister in charge of the program, told the Guardian that the Maltese government does not want to encourage drug use but that there is no scientific evidence that marijuana use leads to the abuse of more dangerous substances.

RELATED: Luxembourg Leads Europe into the Cannabis Era

“There is now a surge of understanding that the hard fist against cannabis users was disproportionate and unjust, and caused great harm to those who lead exemplary lives,” Bonnici said. “But the fact that they use cannabis on a personal basis puts them in the jaws of crime.”

“I am delighted that Malta will be the first country to fully intervene in law with a regulator,” he added.

Recent cannabis reforms in Europe

It looks like the cannabis reform wave is beginning across Europe, a move inspired last December when the United Nations Narcotics Commission made a final decision to remove cannabis from Appendix IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

RELATED: Cannabis For Adults In Europe: The Final Countdown Begins

In October, Luxembourg announced that it would become the first country in Europe to legalize the cultivation of cannabis for personal use, while Germany recently announced plans to legalize marijuana – a move that will generate US $ 3.85 billion in annual tax revenues – could bring in dollars.

So, Europe … who’s next?

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.