Drug-Related Emergencies Double in Malta in One Year

Feb 24 2024

Drug-related emergencies in Malta have alarmingly doubled from 513 cases in 2021 to 1,072 in 2022, as reported by Times of Malta, citing data from a Mater Dei clinical toxicology unit.

This surge is particularly noted in cannabis intoxication incidents, skyrocketing from 97 cases in 2021 to 431 in 2022. Despite the increase, it’s noteworthy that there have been no fatal overdoses associated with cannabis use, which contrasts with the outcomes of most other drugs. However, excessive cannabis consumption has been linked to adverse effects such as dizziness or psychosis.

Moreover, cocaine-related medical emergencies have also seen a significant uptick, doubling in incidence from 273 cases in 2021 to 428 in 2022.

This rise in cocaine emergencies coincides with recent reports highlighting the prevalence of cocaine use in Malta during various social gatherings, including religious festivities like baptisms and weddings.

The sharp increase in drug-related emergencies calls for urgent attention and potentially revised strategies to address and mitigate drug abuse in Malta.

#MaltaDaily

Germany Legalises Recreational Cannabis for Personal Use

Feb 24 2024

Germany has made a significant stride in drug policy reform by becoming the third European Union Member State to legalise recreational cannabis for personal use, following Malta and Luxembourg.

The German federal parliament approved the legalisation with a majority vote—407 in favour, 226 against, and four abstentions. This landmark decision, effective from April 1st, marks a pivotal change in the country’s approach towards cannabis.

Under the new law, individuals are permitted to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and 50 grams at home, facilitating a more lenient stance on personal use. Furthermore, it legalises the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants per person.

Another aspect of the legislation is the introduction of cannabis social clubs. These clubs can accommodate up to 500 members, providing a communal space for cultivation and consumption, from which individuals can obtain up to 50 grams per month.

This move is seen as a step towards altering the social and legal landscape surrounding cannabis use in Germany. Despite much backlash at the decision, this step in drug policy reform hopes to clamp down on the illegal market.

#MaltaDaily

Bormla Man Charged With Attempted Rape Of Wife While On Bail

Feb 24 2024

A 28-year-old man from Bormla has been detained after facing charges of attempted rape and domestic abuse against his wife. The court has withheld his identity to safeguard the victim’s privacy.

Previously out on bail for domestic violence allegations, his arrest followed two recent violent incidents. These episodes of violence occurred after his bail was granted in December.

On February 5th, he allegedly attempted to rape his wife. According to the charges, he forcibly held her against her will and engaged in non-consensual sexual acts.

In addition to the charges, the accused faces allegations of violating a protection order, committing crimes while on a suspended sentence, and failing to adhere to three separate bail conditions.

#MaltaDaily

Apple warns users to stop putting wet iPhones in rice

Feb 23 2024

Whenever your iPhone gets wet you will always hear people telling you to put your smartphone in a bag of rice to soak up the water, however this theory has been debunked by experts for years and now iPhone manufacturer Apple have also come out against the method.

In a recent support note published by Apple and found by Apple-centric website Macworld, the company states “Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone.”

Not only will putting your phone in rice result in the possibility of further damage, there have been countless studies which has suggested that uncooked raw rice is not effective at drying the device and absorbing the water.

The theory may find it roots and origins from photography as technology website The Verge traced back the rice method as far as 1946 as a way to maintain your camera.

In contrast to the rice method Apple advises users with a “liquid detected” alert to unplug both ends of the charging cable, tap the phone gently against their hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid, let it dry for at least 30 minutes, and if both the phone and cable are completely dry, attempt charging again. If unsuccessful, retry after a day.

#MaltaDaily