Malta has become the first country in European Union to legalise cannabis at home and for personal use.

Highlights

• Under the new law, Malta has allowed people aged 18 and above to have up to seven grams of cannabis.
• They would also be allowed to grow up to four plants at home.
• The legislation also allows various non-profit organisations comprising of up to 500 people to grow the drug for their members.

No. Consumption of cannabis in public is still illegal and punishable by a 235 euro fine. Furthermore, consuming the cannabis in front of a child, either in public or at home, would attract a penalty of 300 and 500 euros.

Penalties on larger amounts

• The law further provides easier penalties for people found with larger amounts of the drug.
• Adults in possession of 7 to 28 grams of cannabis for their personal use would have to face a tribunal rather than court. They could also be fined with a maximum of100 euro.
• Minors who will be caught with cannabis will be referred to a tribunal. It might lead to a care plan or treatment.