4 plants, 7 grams and cannabis clubs announced by Reforms Minister

Oct 6 2021

Reforms Minister Owen Bonnici announced this morning that cannabis smokers will be able to carry 7 grams of cannabis and grow up to four plants at home in the new proposed cannabis laws. Following the tabling of the Bill on Monday, Bonnici also revealed that cannabis clubs which distribute cannabis among their members will be allowed, but not public smoking. The Minister said that this is not to incentivise a culture of cannabis consumption.

When it comes to possession and cultivation, a person aged over the age of 18 can have up to 7 grams in their possession. They will not be charged in court or face proceedings before a justice commissioner if caught. Police will no longer have the right to detain anyone caught with it. Anyone younger than 18 caught with the plant will face proceedings and be given a care plan.

Private residences will be allowed up to four cannabis plants, but these must be kept out of sight. Smoking around minors will be illegal and will carry a fine of up to €500. Anyone growing cannabis at home will be able to store up to 50 grams of dried plant at home, and the Responsible Cannabis Use Authority will regulate the sector in such a way that it carries out educational outreach stakeholder measures.

In terms of cannabis clubs, up to 7 grams a day can be distributed to each member with a maximum of 50 grams per month. The organisation will be able to distribute 20 cannabis seeds to each member but cannot have more than 500 grams of the plant on their premises at any given time. Any such club cannot be situated within 250 metres of a school.

The organisation must also be registered and authorised by the Responsible Cannabis Use Authority which will have the right to carry out checks on each premises. The clubs will need to disclose the number of members they cater for every three months though they will not need to disclose any names. Legal persons and other legal entities cannot be owners of cannabis clubs.

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Photo Source: Owen Bonnici FB, The Conversation

7 days of rain and a thunderstorm to end the weekend

Oct 6 2021

It’s official – we’ve entered the rainy and stormy season. According to the MET office, the entire week starting today Wednesday 6th October all the way to Tuesday of next week, is characterised with rain showers, whirling winds and the occasional storm.

Showers are expected for today, Friday, Saturday and Monday. Tomorrow, Thursday, is set to bring isolated showers with strong winds. Sunday will seal it all off with a possible thunderstorm, but we won’t be given a break anytime soon.

Temperatures have at least dropped, with the highest today at 28 degrees Celsius dropping to 24 on Sunday. As far as weekend plans go, staying in might be the best option. We know some love to venture out but stay safe considering how much damage the last storm did. Or maybe just whip up some hot beverages, switch on Netflix and let the thunder create some natural atmosphere as you finish off Squid Game.

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Photo Source: NewsMalta, Malta International Airport

This is what the metro stations could look like across the island

Oct 6 2021

We finally got out first look at where metro stops may be situated across the island. The designers behind the potential metro, announced by Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg and Prime Minister Robert Abela, have unveiled where the transportation system will run from. Of course, the introduction of these metro stations and railways give a new look to the landscape of Malta, something the Prime Minister addressed in the announcement.

The metro is set to run from Bugibba to Pembroke, Birkirkara to Valletta and Mater Dei to Cospicua. The Prime Minister stated that the study allowing a mature and informed discussion on mass transportation, which includes whether or not the country is ready to undertake such a spanning project.

The project is expected to take 15 to 20 years to fully construct, costing around €6.2 billion. A first phase would however be operational within five to eight years, and would cost an initial €3.9 billion. The metro is also set to be completely underground except for a short area between Naxxar and Bugibba.

The Transport Minister stated that for the first time, a government-commissioned proposal which looks beyond elections and could span multiple legislatures to truly plan for the future generations is being put forward. Acknowledging the high level of private car usage in Malta, Borg said the metro offers an alternative and could promote a culture shift.

The metro network is not set to extend to Gozo after studies concluded that there needs to be a population increase of 50,000 to make the link viable to the sister island.

The prospect of an underground metro was criticised by the ADPD, stating that this would lead to further pollution and that a land metro tram hybrid would better address this issue.

For more information, visit the official Facebook page or the official website for the Metro.

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Photo Source: Malta Metro FB

Over 100 postponed court sittings in Gozo as lawyers strike

Oct 5 2021

As lawyers take on strike action, over a 100 court sittings in Gozo have had to be postponed. The lawyers are refusing to attend sittings, causing Gozo’s courts to come to a standstill ever since Thursday. An assistant registrar and a full-time court marshal are all absent, as staff shortcomings are becoming a continuous reality in several branches of the courts. Documents are bing lost or go unscanned, with others not being served on time to parties or judges.

The Court Services Agency met lawyers on Tuesday to hear complaints over a long list of shortcomings at the Victoria courthouse. These even include authorities ignoring shortcomings identified by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority and the Commission for People with Disabilities in the cramped old building located within the Citadel.

Lawyers are demanding improvement in the environment and the facilities. They were told that a deputy registrar has been appointed and given information on measures that are to be taken. These include a marshal from Malta crossing over to Gozo twice a week and eventually daily. The prospect of have more staff being moved to Gozo to improve the situation was also discussed.

Despite this, lawyers have decided to continue their strike as they argue that very little progress has been made since their collective action in June. The promised measures, they argued, did not adequately address the needs of the Gozo courts. Unless actual progress was made, lawyers will refrain from attending sittings.

‘The Gozo courts, the judiciary, practicing lawyers and the citizens deserve better and should not be treated differently.’ The lawyers also expressed appreciation that lawyers from Malta did not attend sittings in Gozitan courts out of solidarity with those permanently based in Gozo.

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Photo Source: GozoNews