We, a group of mothers, would like to voice our concerns on two main issues regarding the proposed law on the decriminalisation of drugs.

Firstly, this law gives the mistaken impression that the use of cannabis is not that harmful to the people taking it. Sedqa and Caritas, two main agencies who help drug users on their battle against addiction on daily basis  have  spoken clearly about cannabis being a mind-altering drug which is dangerous to people’s health. 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. Extensive research shows that when young people are given the impression that the drug is not so dangerous, the use of that drug will automatically increase not decrease. (Professor William Crano at a lecture delivered at University). We feel that with this law society is giving the message to our children – “It’s okay, this drug is not as dangerous as the others.” We believe, as mothers, that this will not be in the best interests of our children.

In its Electoral Programme, the government 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 contradictory. It is also not in line with what we, as parents and as educators, are trying to teach our children. Addiction to drugs is very harmful, just as addiction to cigarettes and alcohol is harmful, and we all know that it is already very difficult for young people to resist these legal drugs. By doing away with the legal deterrent, we are making it easier for young people to try out this illegal drug. Once someone has started on cannabis, he/she is exposed to those same circles which provide other illegal drugs, often leading to their subsequent use.

The second issue which is of concern is that this law proposes that if young people are caught in possession of drugs for the first time, they are simply given a warning. It is only those who are caught for the second and subsequent times who will be offered help for their addiction. We feel that is a missed opportunity – youths caught for the first time are being deprived of help when they could be in time to recover from other addictions. Being first time offenders does not mean they are first time users, and it could mean they already have serious drug addiction problems. 

We hope that this proposed law, rather than focusing on how often one has taken drugs, focuses on helping persons deal with drug addiction and its harmful effects on their whole life. It is good to remember that the drug user is not the only person who is going through a painful time. There are also repercussions for family and friends of this drug user. We are all connected to each other and it would be helpful to keep this in mind when discussing reform/punishment/decriminalisation/depenalisation. If punishment is going to be given, it is because of the negative way society has been affected and if reformation is offered, it is to empower the person to live in more harmony with the persons surrounding him. We are pleased to note that this law proposes to reduce the penalty for drug users who help people who have overdosed by calling for medical help. 

We do appreciate that this policy is a step forward in fighting the battle against drugs and is offering help to drug victims. It is precisely because of this that we feel we should not create new laws which could encourage the use of drugs.

Martha Fitz

Suzanne Vella

Christine Rossi

Marisa Gatt

Mariella Chetcuti