Malta Cannabis Legalization Has Not Led To Increased Consumption Rates

Malta became the first European country to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure back in 2021. According to the results of a recent survey, the policy change has not led to an increased rate of cannabis consumption.

“People who admitted smoking cannabis in the past year account for 4% of the population, a decline from 7% in 2021, a Eurobarometer survey shows.” stated Malta Today in its local reporting.

“The survey shows that 53% of respondents across all EU member states are in favour of regulating cannabis for recreational use.” the outlet also reported.

In addition to Malta, cannabis is legal at a national level in Luxembourg and Germany, as well as in Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa. Each legalized nation has a different model with different provisions and limits. In Malta, cannabis cultivation is permitted by adults (up to 4 plants), as is personal possession of 7 grams when away from home and up to 50 grams at home.

Cultivation associations, often referred to as cannabis clubs, are also permitted in Malta. Adults can become members of a club and legally source their cannabis from them. As of August 2024, roughly 2,000 had joined a registered cannabis club in Malta. According to the nation’s top regulatory chief, legalization in Malta is working.

“The country’s harm reduction approach is working,” ARUC Chairperson Joey Reno Vella stated in a recent interview according to separate reporting by Malta Today.

“Before 2021, before the reform was enacted, you had a reality where studies showed a large section of the population used cannabis, but they had no regulated market from where they could buy it. The cannabis they bought was not cultivated in a safe manner, and so posed more risks. They had to turn to the black market where they did not know what they were buying,” Vella also stated.

Since recreational cannabis legalization took effect in Malta in 2021, a total of 39 people have faced prosecution for consuming cannabis in public spaces according to Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri’s recent testimony to parliament.