For the first time ever, the Maltese government has sent a video message of support to Malta’s cannabis users on 4/20, the unofficial international day dedicated to cannabis users’ rights.

Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rosianne Cutajar said that though recreational use of the plant was “not yet legal” in Malta, the government has long since set out to be “more sensitive” to users.

She referred to the results of a new study that shows there are over 40,000 individuals in Malta that have used cannabis, an impressive number indicating just how widespread the use of the plant is in Maltese society.

100 days into her role and Cutajar said that she’s “worked on proposals for a legislative framework with a view of overcoming this stigma in order to ensure the introduction of a law that reflects the realities of our society.”

Giving shout-outs to some powerful leaders, creatives and athletes that have famously used cannabis – such as Barack Obama, Justin Trudeau, Steve Jobs and Michael Phelps – she pledged to continue working with cannabis user’s rights in mind.

Today, the 20th of April, is widely celebrated as a day for cannabis rights globally. Marches and protests are held worldwide on this day – however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events have been moved online this year for the first time ever.

While Malta had made tentative moves to relax its cannabis laws five years ago, little has changed since then, with many in Malta’s cannabis community looking to Cutajar with renewed hope for a freer and safer future.

What do you think of the Maltese government’s first-ever 4/20 message?