As Malta’s anticipated Cannabis Reform Bill enters its final stage before becoming law, local academic and Dean for the Faculty of Social Wellbeing Andrew Azzopardi has challenged the bill and called on President of Malta George Vella to refuse to sign the bill.

President Vella’s signature will be the final step before the bill becomes law, but Azzopardi presented a list of criteria as to why he thinks the signing should be postponed until further study and discussion is made. The first of Azzopardi’s nine points of contention was that the cannabis reform issue is a national one which merits consent, going on to highlight how there is a lack of agreement between political parties, organisations as well as medical and academic associations. Despite their qualms, the Opposition proposed zero amendments in parliament in the process’s penultimate stage.

The respected academic also stated that the issue is not simply a matter of legal amendment but one which addresses the moral side of things, with ex-addicts and exponents of government organisations who have worked with addicts advising against such reform. He also stated how a reform will not change the country way of dealing with its challenges and interpreting recreational activities.

Azzopardi also shed light on the fact that the Superintendence for Public Health, Police Commissioner and other organisations did not establish a clear position on the reform, in light of the lack of convincing research in the local context and its effect on families.

He concluded by humbly stating that it is morally responsible that the President of Malta postpones his signing until further research and discussion is made on the matter.

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