It is a known fact that the recreative use of the Cannabis plant is very common in the Maltese islands. The use spans many age groups, ranging from teenagers, to elderly. This fact challenges the efficacy of the current drug laws, which have been around, and heavily enforced for the last 30 years. Furthermore, as it has been shown, the ban on plants like Cannabis opened a gateway to much more dangerous replacement drugs, which are better known as 'Legal Highs'. Such substances are indeed dangerous, especially to young and/or vulnerable individuals.
Studies have also shown that the consumption of Cannabis was never, and will never be tied to any death, and one can never overdose. In addition, studies have also shown that places where the use of Cannabis is not restricted, abuse on deadly substances like Cocaine and Heroin is greatly reduced, thus challenging greatly the argument that Cannabis is a gateway drug.
One has to be very careful also how to interpret certain studies from Psychiatrists and research supported by the Pharmaceutical industry. Such example is the research of Dr.Anton Grech. While his studies are challenged by other scholars due to certain important flaws, one has to be very careful how to interpret his results. The arising of schizophrenia linked with the use of Cannabis is based mainly on individuals who have a history of mental ailments, some of which are actual symptoms of schizophrenia. With frequent Cannabis use, one can facilitate, or rather, increase the speed which conditions like Schizophrenia can come up with such individuals. However, it has been shown that there is no risk to individuals which are not exposed to such ailments.
In regard to the above, legalization of Cannabis is a way forward in Western countries, as it is currently being done in the United States, and discussed in other countries within the European Union. As regards to my opinion on how the regularization would work are:
- An age restriction should be in place and properly enforced (as currently it is on Alcohol). While many studies have proved that cannabis use among adults is not harmful as it thought it was, Cannabis abuse during young years can negatively affect the formation of certain functions within the brain. This is on par with cigarette smoking, where it is shown that cigarette smoking at a young age will result in flawed lung development.
- Only licensed dispensaries should be allowed to sell Cannabis. I am against the sale of Cannabis in pubs, groceries, and even "Coffeeshop" style places. Reason being is that such outlets may not have the necessary tools to enforce the age limitation mentioned in the previous point. Furthermore, at least at the beginning, I am in favor of persons showing their Identification in dispensaries, and if needs be, will have their cannabis consumption details logged in a central database.
- Following on the previous point, I am in favor of 'purchase cap' on Cannabis, should it be legalized. In certain states within the U.S, this is present and also enforced. A cap of, for example, 20 grams a month will, at the beginning, provide means to control, and also measure the initial "rush" and "craze" which such a legalization may bring in a country like Malta.
- Like Alcohol, consumption on Cannabis should not be allowed in public places like parks, streets, shops, and so on. Furthermore, cannabis use should not be within a certain perimeter from places where under age individuals are present. Such restriction should be heavily enforced.
- Regularization of Cannabis will offer the Maltese government a new stream of a much-needed income. Not only from tourism, but also from taxes which the government should make on the purchase of Cannabis. I am fully in favor of putting a duty tax on Cannabis. Such measures have proved to be very successful in certain states in the U.S which have regularized the use of Cannabis. Money collected from so called "Cannabis Tax" is being invested in education and treatment clinics.
- Following on the previous points, growing the Cannabis plant should be discouraged, or have its legal status preserved as it currently is. Allowing the personal cultivation of Cannabis makes way for unauthorized sale, and also may put minors at risk. Only licensed growers should be allowed, and regularly vetted by the authorities to ensure that no abuse is being made. Such model can be very similar to that of the cultivation of tobacco. To cultivate the plant, one must have permission from the authorities. This point is very important so to also give the image that Cannabis is still a substance which needs to be consumed responsibly and its use should not be encouraged. Emphasis should be made that the use of dispensaries will ensure that abuse is greatly minimised, much more than it is currently today.
Thank you for your time and for giving us an opportunity to voice our opinions.
William