Marijuana, known as weed, cannabis, spliff etc, is an illegal drug in Malta. Maltese law takes a harsh stance against illicit drugs of any kind, even those categorised as “soft” drugs elsewhere. Importation of illegal drugs should not even be contemplated by anyone, even if it’s a small amount for personal use.
Customs employ advanced detection techniques with sniffer dogs at the airport, and prison terms are often handed out to offenders. In addition the police and the armed forces work together to intercept any trafficking by sea.
During 2007, an Egyptian national was sentenced to a 12 year custodial sentence and fined 15,000 Maltese Liri (about 35,000 Euros) for possession and dealing 14 kilograms of cannabis resin (hashish).
Use of the drug in Malta is fairly low when compared to the rest of Europe, with around 7/8% of the population indulging at least once in a lifetime. However, being a Mediterranean island with a warm climate, the country attracts a large number of tourists, especially in summer months, when there are a variety of concerts (Isle of MTV, for example), and outdoor events with top international DJs. Illicit drug use amongst young Maltese and tourists alike, is on the increase. The police have now established a major presence at these events, and the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) stage regular roadblocks on routes leading to and from these events.
Cannabis cultivation is not very common, even though the climate favours its growth, and this is probably due to the lengthy sentences handed down to those who grow the plants. Being caught with marijuana plants is a serious crime, similar to trafficking, and the penalties seem to be effective in stemming the activity, for both personal and commercial reasons.
It’s incredible there still ignorant people in Malta, otherwise they could regulate cannabis like alcohol or cigarettes. I don’t understand how come alcohol and cigarettes do more damage then cannabis and are legal. In countries like Amsterdam, Florida, California and Nevada, cannabis use is not only legal, but you can buy it from the pharmacy as medicine. But in Malta no, there’s still ignorant people who don’t know the benefits of this plant that after all god gave us.
I agree with Nigel, Cannabis has less damaging effects than cigarettes. It’s a natural plant, not some drug with added stuff to it.
I agree too, Maltese people are ignorant!
If the Maltese are ignorant, than Italians are total dumb asses!
I am Maltese and I have to say that the people making these laws are frikkin ignorant! I would not have to be worried about having lung cancer if marijuana was legal, since I would roll a joint every once in a while instead of smoking 3 packs of cigarettes a day. For me and many others smoking one joint of marijuana a day removes the need to smoke 60 cigarettes or more a day, which is pretty damn good.
Marijuana is natural and good, I only hope that when the people in charge die out there will only be us youths and we will all understand each other and adapt our laws as we see fit, the good way. I can understand if someone chooses not to use it, but that should be their choice, this is my body and I would have me do with it as I please, I am an adult now and I can make up my own mind.
I don’t need some ignorant bastards making these choices for me, thank you very much!
@Nigel … I’m going to Malta this June. This is my email, thanks.
Hi my friend, this is my email. If you want to go for a drink when in Malta, just send me an email, cu!
Hiya, I’m going Malta in August and just wondering how to make new friends!
@benji: Hi Benji, this is my emal: nigeldingli@hotmail.com, if u wanna make new friends this is my FB too. Just type Nigel Dingli
Hi all, I’m off to Malta in August too with my GF. I’ve sent you friend request Nigel. Anyone else from Malta? We will be looking for friends
Yea I’m from here Malta, just go on and add me as a friend! bye bye cyu man
Hey there, totally agree with you all that its a bit stupid law about that gorgeous plant! Just came to Malta, can email me here, thanks.
Hi Nigel! We are two friends from Spain here in Malta, search for me on Facebook my name is Héctor Milián.
Hi, I will be in Malta May 1st. Looking for a few new friends as I am moving there for work. I live in the UK now, but I am from the States. It would be great to meet up and say hi, here’s my email garythescubadiver@gmail.com.