Cannabis in Malta
Cannabis in Malta is illegal but partially decriminalized.
Simple possession will still remain an "arrestable offense" is for the police to be able to fight drug trafficking, and says that the possession of a minimal amount of drugs for personal consumption will effectively be decriminalized. First-time offenders will be handed fines of between €50 and €100 in the case of cannabis possession. Repeat offenders will appear before a Drug Offenders Rehabilitation Board, headed by retired Chief of Justice, which will set conditions for rehabilitation. Breaching the conditions would be tantamount to a criminal offense. The Magistrates Court - in cases not involving the use of weapons or violence - would be able to act as a Drugs Court and refer the accused for treatment to the rehabilitation board.
References
- http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/51881/new_drugs_reform_law_into_force_today_what_has_changed#.WDYlVpLvhDq
- http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2015-03-17/local-news/Simple-possession-to-remain-an-arrestable-offence-but-only-to-fight-drug-trade-Bonnici-6736132323
Further reading
- Muscat, Matthew. Report on the White Paper regarding Drug Laws Reform (PDF). Fondazzjoni Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl. Retrieved 23 November 2016.