Justice Minister Owen Bonnici held a Facebook question and answer session to mark the end of the consultation period on the drug reforms White Paper.

Speaking with the press during the Q&A session, the Minister said that although persons of all ages were taking part, the majority were youths. Dr Bonnici’s impression was that most of them were in favour of legalising cannabis for personal use. “There are people who agree and disagree with the proposal of differentiating cannabis from other drugs. We are not legalising cannabis,” he emphasised.

A question asked by a member of the public was; “While doing some research into different sentences, I came across the UK's ‘Sentencing Guidelines’, which provide detailed guidelines for the judiciary to hand out sentences in a consistent manner, depending on the quantity and type of drug being used or cultivated etc. I wonder whether something similar could help in Malta”. In response, the Minister said; “yes, we really need to consider a proper sentencing policy or guidelines on the matter. That being said, I believe that the Court of Criminal Appeal has delivered a number of judgements along the years, which set, in themselves, a number of important ‘guidelines’”.

Responding to another question, the Minister clarified that the White Paper is proposing a different classification for cannabis when compared to other drugs, however simple possession of cannabis will remain an offence… "an administrative not a criminal offence."  

Through the consultation period, the Minister realised that they would need to further explore the difference between recreational cannabis users and those who use it as a gateway to other drugs.  

Asked by this newsroom whether he has anyone in particular in mind for the post of Commissioner for Justice, the Minister said that the government has not yet decided if the position will go to someone within the legal profession or not. “There are a number of people who fit the possible role”.