In recent years, the European continent has been a hotbed of medical cannabis policy reform and a nascent cannabis industry.

This year, the conversation among European lawmakers has shifted significantly towards legalizing adult use, with countries like Germany and Luxembourg consistently making headlines for their legalization efforts.

However, a lesser-known country can beat both countries in terms of legalization.

Malta, an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and the coast of North Africa, is very close to legalizing marijuana for adult use. In fact, it’s so close that it could happen any day.

sailing through parliament

Efforts to legalize marijuana Maltese Adult Use This is not new, but a recent measure has gained a lot of attention and passed the committee stage of the political process last week.

The measure, which is currently awaiting final consideration by the Maltese Parliament, has historically been little more than a formality. To many political observers in Malta, passage seems imminent.

Assuming current measures are adopted, the legalization of marijuana in Malta would legalize the possession of up to 7 grams of marijuana by adults 18 years of age or older.

The measure would also automatically eliminate many previous marijuana convictions.

Opponents of the measure tried very hard to undermine the legislation, and when that didn’t work, they tried to change provisions in the legislation, to no avail.

Will the President sign it?

Maltese Chamber of Pharmacists There was a recent call on President George Villa to refuse to sign the measure when it reached his desk.

Hopefully this turns out not to be the case, as legalization is taking place in other countries that have already adopted it.

Lawmakers in Uruguay legalized adult-use marijuana in 2013, and Canada did the same five years later in 2018. The skies in both countries were still intact the last time I checked.

The legalization of marijuana will spread across the continent in the next few years, and Malta may well be the first domino to fall.

However, if the current measures eventually pass, they need to be improved as soon as possible.

Malta’s form of legalization will be very limited compared to the legalization models of Uruguay and Canada. Having said that, it’s still much better than banning.