By Jon Hiltz

 

It’s a safe bet to say that the European island of Malta will be one of the next nations of the world to establish fully legalized cannabis.

In April 2015, the government wisely decided to decriminalize the plant for its citizens. Most recently, the leader of the country, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, announced that now is the time to discuss legal cannabis for the nation. Shortly after that statement, one of the leading opposition parties for the country also readily agreed that the discussion needs to happen.

Now, a third political party in Malta has joined the call for legal marijuana, in addition to the decriminalization of all drugs.

Ralph Cassar, the Secretary General of the Alternattiva Demokratika Party, made a statement to the media saying that his party’s position is essentially a “drug policy with a human face.” Cassar added that there needs to be different classifications for drugs so citizens know their level of danger, but in regards to cannabis, it should be fully legalized.

The goal of this policy would be to reduce dependency on harsh drugs rather than throwing people in prison for using the substances. “People who use drugs are in need of other services, and should not be persecuted,” Cassar said.

Alternattiva Demokratika says they are looking at the Portuguese model of decriminalization.

For cannabis, specifically, the party would like to see regulation similar to Colorado or Uruguay, adding that the effects of pot are less serious than alcohol and tobacco.

The Maltese general election takes place on June 3, just over one week away. Three different parties, including the incumbent one, are calling for cannabis legalization of some kind. So no matter who takes the leadership, more than likely the clear winner will be cannabis lovers in Malta.