Malta’s Historic Marijuana Legalization Law Faces Backlash as Authorities Crack Down on Odor Complaints
In a surprising turn of events, Malta, the first European country to legalize marijuana possession for adult use, is now facing backlash from authorities over “nuisance” odors. The island nation’s governing Labour Party has introduced a new law, Bill 128, which sets a €235 fine for public consumption of non-medical cannabis, including smoking in one’s own home if a neighbor complains about the smell.
The law, which was unanimously approved by Parliament in May, has sparked outrage among advocates who argue that it is a step backward for the country’s progressive drug policy. The law also prohibits the operation of on-site cannabis lounges by licensed nonprofits, known as Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations (CHRAs).
The new law is seen as a response to concerns about public consumption and the impact of second-hand smoke on those living nearby. However, critics argue that the law is overly broad and will disproportionately affect low-income and working-class individuals who may not have the means to pay the fine.
The law also requires CHRAs to hand over their membership lists to the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC), sparking concerns about data privacy and the potential for misuse of the information.
The policy shift has been met with criticism from activists, who argue that it is a step backward for the country’s drug policy. “We’re back to punishing plants and people instead of fixing the real problems, which are housing density, social stigma and lack of safe venues,” said Maltese activist and former ARUC employee Karen Mamo.
The law’s implementation has already begun, with warning letters being sent to individuals who have been found to be smoking cannabis in public or in their homes if it is causing a nuisance to others. The law’s impact is expected to be felt most heavily on tenants who cannot control communal airflow and on working-class youth who smoke cannabis outside because landlords ban indoor use.
The rapid reversal of Malta’s progressive drug policy serves as a reminder that legalization is a process, not a finish line, and that fragile reforms can be easily rolled back.
