Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/380554
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2014 News 15 Mums voice concern over plans to decriminalise cannabis TIM DIACONO BOLSTERED by the social con- servatism of Nationalist Party lead- ers in power, it was the liberal lobby that had to make its voice heard loud and clear in the streets and in public fora. But ever since the introduction of divorce, it's been Labour's pro- gressive agenda on the ascendant: civil unions, gay adoption, and now decriminalisation of drugs. Five mothers – Martha Fitz, Su- zanne Vella, Christine Rossi, Marisa Gatt and Mariella Catania – have told MaltaToday they are concerned about plans by the justice ministry to steam ahead with proposals for decriminalisation, particularly with the change in discourse in the way drug abuse is being treated. "We have no problem with depe- nalisation – what we contest is the fact that abuse no longer is consid- ered a crime. So we agree with the removal of the punishment and to offer assistance, but drug abuse must still remain a crime in the eyes of adolescents and youths," Vella, speaking for her concerned friends, told MaltaToday. Under the proposed law as pre- sented in a White Paper, prosecut- ed drug users will no longer face a court hearing but instead appear in front of a justice commissioner who can either give them a warning, or refer them to a social board of ex- perts. Repeat offenders will automatical- ly be referred to the social board. However, cannabis users will be exempted from appearing in front of the social board unless the com- missioner deems it necessary, and cannabis cultivation for personal use will also no longer be punish- able by imprisonment. "We feel that with this law, society is giving the message to our children – 'It's ok, this drug [cannabis] is not as dangerous as the others'," Vella said. "We believe, as mothers, that this will not be in the best interests of our children. "Extensive research shows that when youth are given the impres- sion that a drug is not so dangerous, then their use of that drug will in- crease and not decrease," Vella said, quoting a public lecture delivered by William Crano, a psychology pro- fessor who has worked as an advisor to the United Nations, the White House and the European Union. "Sedqa and Caritas, two main agencies who accompany drug us- ers on their battle against addiction on a daily basis have spoken clearly about cannabis being a mind-alter- ing drug which is dangerous to peo- ple's health," Vella said. "According to Sedqa, there is scientific evidence that the cannabis available on the market at present is of a stronger and more dangerous type than that available in the past." Vella also referred to Labour's manifesto, in which it pledged more education as a means of making people more aware of the negative effects of drug use. "However, we feel that this policy is indeed contra- dictory with such an aim. It is also not in line with what we, as parents, and as educators are trying to teach our children. By doing away with the legal deterrent, we are making it easier for young people to try out this illegal drug. Once young people start out on cannabis, they are ex- posed to those same circles which provide other illegal drugs, often leading to their subsequent use." Vella says that if punishment is to be given, it is because of the nega- tive way society would have been affected. "And if reformation is of- fered, it is to empower the person to live in more harmony with the persons surrounding him. We are pleased to note that this law is pro- posing the reduction of the penalty for drug users who would have as- sisted persons who have overdosed by calling for medical help." The mothers also disagree that only second time drug offenders will be automatically referred to a social board and that some first-time of- fenders will have a missed opportu- nity to reform themselves, having been let off with just a warning. "People take drugs to fill up some emptiness inside them," Vella said. "They all have some sort of problem and I therefore believe that all of them need help." The government is currently con- ducting a public consultation proc- ess concerning this White Paper. Consultation will end on 15 Sep- tember and a draft law should be tabled in parliament before the end of the year. 'We're not against depenalisation – but our youths cannot be shown that drug use is not a crime' From left: Suzanne Vella, Martha Fitz and Mariella Catania Justice Minister Owen Bonnici is leading public consultation on a White Paper proposing the decriminalisation of drugs