What does Malta’s cannabis future currently look like?

Oct 13 2021

Following the presentation of a Bill to reform Malta’s cannabis laws in Parliament last week, the Chamber of Commerce called on Parliament to address the lack of significant improvement in said bill. The chamber is arguing that not enough detail is being provided, especially concerning public health risks. The Bill followed a white paper issued by the government in April as well as a consultation period with stakeholders.

Despite welcoming relaxation in certain aspects of cannabis law, the chamber exclaimed that the government has not given due consideration to the issues raised. In particular, those related to health and safety at the workplace as well as the right of employers to apply a zero-tolerance approach to the use of cannabis at the work-place. The legislation was described as ambiguous and lacking the necessary safeguards.

On a more positive note however, a new Cannabis Authority could kick off operation next year with a €100,000 budget. The 2022 Budget estimates for the Ministry of Reforms have allocated the amount to cannabis regulation, with an additional €400,000 on an ongoing cannabis educational campaign conducted with the Foundation of Social Welfare Services. The Cannabis Authority will be responsible for submitting proposals to government concerning national cannabis policy and participating in educational programmes.

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Photo Source: Owen Bonnici FB, Clyde Caruana FB

It’s official – Squid Game Netflix’s most watched series in history

Oct 13 2021

This isn’t really coming as much of a surprise but Squid Game is now Netflix’s most watched TV series in history. A whopping 111 million accounts binged through the terrifying Korean show, smashing the previous top spot which was held by Bridgerton at 82 million.

Netflix uses a metric which estimates whether a user watched at least two minutes of the show. Since it debuted, Squid Game became a worldwide sensation which resulted in Halloween costumes, lawsuits, memes, theories, warnings from schools and TikTok trends.

With a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, both fans and critics are loving it – except for maybe parents and teachers. And it seems as though there needs to be a really big series to replace it with its insane amount of viewers. You’re all familiar with the concept by now – kid’s games, but deadly! It’s not for the faint of heart, but it also manages to deal with class struggle and give a fresh idea a unique spin.

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Photo Source: ScreenRant

Maltese dance brand celebrates launch of District Records with huge release

Oct 12 2021

Maltese dance music brand district has made quite a name for itself since its founding in 2014. The brand aims to provide a platform for Maltese producers to collaborate with international artists and share their music with a global audience and their latest move is a testament to their mission.

The brand’s latest foray into the local and international music scene comes under the name of ‘district records’, a record label which looks to extend district’s commitment to young Maltese artists and further their drive to unearth raw talent and guide development.

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The record label kicked off with stellar two-track EP featuring district resident AP’s track ‘Cold Cuts’ and a stunning Italo-infused remix from UK artist Theo Kottis. The EP has since received support from BBC DJ Sarah Story as well as placement on global Spotify playlists such as ‘metropolis’ and Ministry of Sound’s ‘Dance Music Friday’.

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Man accused of not paying for multiple LIDL purchases not guilty

Oct 12 2021

42-year-old Vincenzo Maniscalco, an Italian resident of St Paul’s Bay, was found not guilty after being accused of not paying for massive LIDL hauls. He was accused of filling up LIDL trolleys and exiting the store without paying along with a woman accomplice. The case goes back to 2018, with him accused of constantly going to the same cashier who, on her part, would not authenticate the purchase or drastically reducing the purchase cost.

Associated with the case was an Italian woman operating as a cashier for Zejtun’s LIDL. The woman had admitted in the early stages of the case and was liberated on the condition that she does not commit another criminal act for two years. With the woman having left Malta, the prosecution explained that the couple would leave with €300 to €400 worth of items and that this occurred 32 times. Magistrate Simone Grech stated that there is not enough evidence to state that the man is guilty, also stating that the man denied the accusations and also of knowing that the cashier was involved.

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Photo Source: iStock