Sixteen local organisations involved within social-oriented work have warned against the legalisation of the recreational use of cannabis.

The organisations expressed their concerns with the proposed legalisation, particularly with the message that would be transmitted to children and teenagers about the use of cannabis.

“The proposed legalisation will bring more harm than good for Maltese society,” the entities said in a statement. 

The organisations appealed for the Government to truly consider the common good, taking a strong stance against the proposed law.

The statement was signed by Caritas Djakonija Unit, Dar Merħba Bik, Dar Osanna Pia, Dar tal-Providenza, Djar tal-Knisja għall-Anzjani, Fondazzjonni Sebħ, Kummissjoni Djoċesana Djakonija, Kummissjoni Ġustizzja u Paci, Kummissjoni Migranti, Mater Dei and Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre Chaplains, Millennium Chapel, Paolo Freire Institute, Segretarjat Assistenza Soċjali, Society St Vincent de Paul, St Jean Antide Foundation, and Uffiċċju Ħidma Pastorali mal-Persuni Separati.

This comes after last week’s first reading on the Cannabis reform, which includes the allowance of seven grams for personal use, four plants per household, and the creation of cannabis associations.

Pro-legalisation NGO Releaf had previously criticised Caritas for instilling fear rather than promoting education on the matter.

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