The cannabis question : a prospective and comparative analysis for Malta

Abstract

This dissertation aims to interdisciplinarily look at the developments surrounding cannabis legislation in Malta and how these developments can and will face the test of time. Since this is a relatively new concept, local sources had to be paired with foreign material in order to come to the optimal conclusions. Additionally, due to the nature of the topic, different evaluations for different circumstances that may emerge had to be taken from jurisdictions that have already faced the issue at hand, both successfully and unsuccessfully. Split into four sections, each one was utilised in order to group the most pertinent matters that come with legalising recreational cannabis use in a state. This dissertation examines several fundamental concepts, mainly with regards to societal feedback on the amendments, ethical and moral standpoints that arise in virtue of such, and economic and criminal challenges that come out. In the course of research, each of the above concepts gave rise to more and more real issues which, if left unaddressed, would be counterproductive towards the legislator’s original goals. Of these issues, the main ones are lack of definitive definitions that sets the legal subject’s mind at ease; in what manner further work is required to be implemented so as to stifle out illicit activity coming from the black market and criminal syndicates / organisations (e.g. regulating sales; proper enforcement; adequate due diligence; breaking barriers of entry); and amongst others, the need for a progress evaluation report to take place in the near future. In tackling these issues, this dissertation concurrently presents tailored solutions.