The Maltese Association of Social Workers (MASW) said it supports the decriminalisation of cannabis use but is against its legalisation.
The association said it carried out a survey with its members and also hosted a comprehensive and informative debate with speakers from ReLeaf, ENCOD, Graffiti, Oasi, Caritas, Sedqa who presented opposing views on the matter.
Based on the survey results and following the debate, MASW position is the following:
1. MASW supports the full decriminalisation of the use of cannabis where people are offered support to rehabilitate rather than sent before the Court. Persons selling the drug should still be prosecuted.
2. MASW recognises that any changes in legislation should be made following a thorough research on the matter. It recommends that such research is led by the Faculty for Social Wellbeing (University of Malta) and other key stakeholders.
3. Relevant stakeholders mostly agree on the negative aspects of the use of cannabis. However, cannabis-use in the community has increased over the past decade. MASW would be in favor of an education campaign to inform the population of such negative effects. The campaign should not be one based on fear but on evidence and facts.
4. MASW is firmly against any attempts to legalise cannabis. This would be a devastating step for our service users and for all society.
5. MASW and its members are concerned with the lack of clarity in the White Paper, namely:
• The White Paper offers little clarification on how minors will be safeguarded from not having access to avail of Cannabis.
• There is no indication on how the authorities will ensure that children and young people in private residences will not be exposed to cannabis in private residences.
• The White Paper does not consider the consequences of substance use on family relationships and the complex dynamics that this can create both in the shorter term and the longer term.
• No reference is made to how the use of cannabis amongst young people will be avoided, in view of research showing that cannabis ingredients directly harm the developing brain of adolescents.
• A concerning imbalance found in this White Paper is the fact that it is depicting cannabis use as beneficial. This aspect overlooks the research, which shows the long term psychosocial effects which cannabis use leaves on one’s own life.
• Similarly, the impact cannabis use has on the well-being of vulnerable groups is neither referred to nor researched. Vulnerable groups are at a greater risk of developing substance use-related problems and addictions due to the difficulties they are already experiencing.
• The implied message being passed through the White Paper, is that cannabis use is: a) healthy, b) has no harming effects and c) is a human right. Such a message continues to dangerously normalise cannabis use and substance use in general which is a very serious concern for our members.
• Enforcement in Malta is already limited, and it is already challenging to control current illegal substance use. Thus, it is questioned how the enforcement agencies will be managing to ascertain that individuals are abiding by the new legalisation and cultivating cannabis within limits imposed by the same law.
As stated above, MASW welcomes the plan of decriminalisation of cannabis use. MASW said it recognised the importance that people who are dependent on Cannabis for personal use should not be stigmatised or sent to prison but need to receive assistance where necessary.
MASW is of the view that society should not give up the fight and allow for the legal use of this drug. It also appeals to all political parties not to make this a political issue in an attempt to win votes. We need to put the wellbeing of society ahead of anything else.
However, MASW is of the opinion that a reform is necessary as the current system is not working. A reform needs to be grounded in research, informed by people with the right expertise and should be aimed at strengthening professional services. The strengthening of services should be given priority as it will cater for the possible rise in substance misuse.
Services need to be able to cater for families who are affected by substance abuse, especially when they seek support to help a family member in starting the rehabilitation process.
Another ongoing concern is that mental health services need to be reinforced, not only to cater to the current demand but also for the possible future higher demand triggered by such substance use. MASW calls for a more transparent and consultative approach towards cannabis use based on research and field expertise.
A more balanced and comprehensive view on cannabis needs to be presented. In the meantime, MASW continues to emphasise that prevention should always remain a priority and in parallel current services are to be strengthened both in terms of resources and also in terms of specialised training to the professionals working in the addiction area.