Releaf, a leading cannabis advocacy group, is urging authorities to address a significant legal incongruity related to possession limits in private residences. Currently, the limit for legal cannabis possession within homes is capped at 50 grams, despite the allowance to cultivate up to four plants. Releaf President, Andrew Bonello, argues that this low possession ceiling places responsible home cultivators at risk of trafficking allegations and severe legal consequences.
In a proactive move, Releaf Malta is advocating for a legislative amendment to increase the home possession limit from the current 50 grams to 400 grams. This adjustment, according to Bonello, aligns more realistically with the potential yield achievable through legal home cultivation under Maltese law. He emphasizes that such a change is crucial to protect individuals from unnecessary legal consequences, promoting a harm reduction-oriented framework.
Additionally, Releaf highlights the need for a reconsideration of the exceptionally low decriminalization threshold for public possession, currently set at 7 grams. The group suggests raising this threshold to a more reasonable 30 grams, comparable to the standard quantity found in a typical packet of tobacco cigarettes.
Bonello emphasizes the urgency of these amendments, calling on the government to recognize the limitations and swiftly enact changes. These vital adjustments, he contends, are necessary to establish a fair and equitable regulatory environment. The goal is to foster responsible cannabis practices while mitigating disproportionate legal liabilities for individuals exercising their right to cultivate and possess cannabis within reasonable limits.