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Releaf Calls Out Claudette Buttigieg For Using ‘Stigmatising Language’ After Heated Cannabis Debate

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Releaf Malta, a cannabis NGO in Malta, has expressed its disgust over yesterday’s debate which ensued after PN MP Claudette Buttigieg claimed service dogs are getting high from cannabis.

During yesterday’s parliamentary session, a debate kicked off after Buttigieg made an unsupported claim about a service guide dog getting high from second-hand cannabis smoke.

This angered many, including pro-cannabis NGO Releaf, as this claim was not scientifically evidence-based but rather a comment meant to instil confusion amongst the public and generally on the aspect of cannabis itself.

“We cannot stress enough how disheartened we are by the stigmatising language used during the discussion. It is deeply concerning to witness fear-mongering tactics and attempts to instil panic among the public,” Releaf stated.

“Using stigmatising language only serves to perpetuate stereotypes and further marginalize individuals who use cannabis for various purposes, including medicinal, therapeutic, and personal reasons.”

“Such rhetoric undermines the progress we have made in understanding the benefits of a decriminalised framework.”

“We firmly believe in having open, informed, and evidence-based discussions when it comes to cannabis reform. It is essential to focus on facts, research, and the experiences of individuals who have benefited from cannabis use, rather than relying on baseless claims designed to create fear and confusion.”

More so, Releaf urged policymakers to adopt a more compassionate and informed approach which ultimately will provide a more constructive outlook towards rightful cannabis use.

Buttigieg’s comments were also notably antagonistic stating, “You can smell cannabis in Merchant’s Street, Valletta regularly. That is the state we are in. This is serious. You said this wouldn’t happen, and now it is happening”.

The parliamentary debate seems to have generated mixed sentiments. While some participants acknowledged the progress of cannabis reform, others resorted to derogatory language to describe cannabis users such as “Drugati” and “Imdamdmin”, which was deemed unsympathetic.

Countless reform groups and pro-cannabis movements press hard and continue to challenge stigmatisation whilst educating others about the potential benefits of cannabis.

Releaf continued expressing that by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we can dismantle the harmful narratives surrounding cannabis and promote a more progressive and compassionate approach to drug policy.

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