Malta has officially legalised the cultivation of cannabis for personal use after a vote took place in parliament on Tuesday, making the country the first nation in Europe to allow for this.
Earlier this year, Luxemburg also announced relevant plans, although these are yet to be confirmed in a parliamentary vote.
The law will allow for the possession of up to 7 grams of cannabis by adults and the cultivation of up to 4 plants. 36 votes were in favour of the new law, while 27 were against it. The country has taken a "harm-reduction approach" according to Equality Minister, Owen Bonnici, who promoted the bill.
However, cannabis consumption in public remains illegal and people who are caught smoking in front of a child could be fined up to 500 euros.
Many opposing the new law come from the church and the centre-right.
Bonnici said:
"The government is in no way urging adults to resort to cannabis use or promoting a cannabis culture. The government always urges people to make healthier choices."
Malta aims to become a leader amongst European nations in producing and researching cannabis for medical purposes.
[Based on reporting by: Reuters]
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