Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1357219
7 WEDNESDAY • 31 MARCH 2021 NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The government is proposing that the possession of more than 7 grams but less than 28 grams for one's exclusive personal use should be subject to proceed- ings before the Commissioner for Justice, as current- ly contemplated for the possession of less than 3.5 grams. It is being proposed that every residential habita- tion (household) can grow up to 4 plants, in a space which is not visible to the public, and which does not emit smells. The cultivated cannabis cannot be sold, and can only be consumed in the same habi- tation. Cannabis cannot be consumed in front of minors, and residents are to ensure that it is stored in plac- es which are inaccessible to minors residing in the same habitation. During a press conference on Tuesday, Abela said that the White Paper sets out the general principles on which a future cannabis legislative framework will be based. Government will draw upon the opinions of stake- holders to clarify where smoking will be allowed and the technicalities involving communal smoking. Abela added that there should be a legal source through which people can purchase cannabis and cannabis seeds, but this is being left open in the document so that government can gather opinions from the public. "Our direction is to have a legal and regularised source from which people can buy cannabis and cannabis seeds," he said. Abela further remarked that the aim of the White Paper is not to incentivise a culture of cannabis use but rather to lessen the harm cannabis can do on a person, including the humiliation involved when someone is arrested, interrogated or taken to court for smoking a joint. Last Sunday, Abela had said that the White Paper will no longer see cannabis users arrested for smok- ing a joint. He said it will stand on the principle that someone found in possession of a small amount of cannabis won't be subject to criminal or judicial proceedings in front of a tribunal or drug court. CONTACT Adriana Farrugia or Erika Arrigo on 21382741 for sponsorship opportunities SCAN THIS CODE USING A QR SCANNER APP TO WATCH THE LATEST EPISODE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE Government to seek legal avenues through which cannabis and cannabis seeds can be bought legally