Addressing parliament, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri expressed how many MPS were not brave enough to admit that they smoked cannabis in the past. Referring to the second reading of the responsible use of cannabis bill, Camilleri recalled a Lovin Malta Vox pop which asked MPs whether they had ever smoked weed in their life last year. Only Camilleri and MP Rosianne Cutajar admitted to having done so.
The Home Affairs Minister said that the felt fortunate that he was never caught, unlike many other young people who were persecuted for the act. ‘I’m sure that not all MPs had the courage to tell the truth, including PN MPs who plan to vote against the proposed law. This is hypocritical.’
Camilleri revealed that, today, he would move away from someone with a cigarette because he doesn’t like the smell anymore. ‘I don’t need this law for myself’ he said. This also follows thoughts expressed by Prime Minister Robert Abela, who said that as a parent of a young child, he can ‘say hand on heart and with a sense of responsibility that [he] believe[s] this legal development is necessary.
He said he would prefer there be a firm legislative framework than take the easy way out and leave everything as it is. ‘I’ve lived this experience as a lawyer and it’s a traumatic experience that no child or parent should pass through.’
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Photo Source: Byron Camilleri FB, Live Science