Minister for Reforms Owen Bonnici on Monday presented the first reading of a cannabis reform proposed by the government.

In a post published on Twitter, Minister Bonnici said that the bill will establish a new legal framework governing responsible use of cannabis.

“This important reform will keep showing the government’s unwavering and determined commitment to continue to be at the forefront of progressive change,” Bonnici said.

In the first quarter of this year, cannabis reform proposals were launched by the government and a white paper for consultation was issued.

The major reform which was presented states that an adult who is found with 7 grammes of cannabis for personal use will not be violating any laws according to the new proposals.

In addition, adults who are in possession of more than 7 grammes of cannabis but less than 28 grammes, as long as the cannabis would be exclusively for his or her own personal use, would not be tried in court but will be subjected to a tribunal hearing with a maximum administrative fee of €100.

The reform also addresses minors who are found in possession of cannabis, and proposes that they will not face court proceedings, but will go through a tribunal process.

Through the reform, people will also be given the right to grow cannabis plants only to be used for their own personal consumption. The limit of plants per household is four.

Among other proposals it was stated that people whose conduct is tainted due to the possession of small amounts of cannabis for their personal use, will now have the right to apply to remove those charges from their conduct sheet.