The recent developments surrounding the appointment of a new Executive chairperson of the Cannabis Authority confirms our strong reservations, that the Government has introduced legislation with a major impact on society in a hurried manner and without creating effective structures to implement the law.
One year after the law was approved, the perception that the use of cannabis in our society has become ‘free for all’ has dramatically increased while the structures contemplated by the law to regulate are conspicuous by their complete absence.
The undersigned organisations express their concern that Government has not matched its drive to legislate with the complimentary and necessary resources to set up a strong Authority to implement the law in a serious and responsible manner.
We augur that the Cannabis authority would be given the necessary resources to develop the appropriate structures to regulate such a sensitive sector in a manner which protects the interests of the most vulnerable members of society, particularly children and youths. We also auger that Government will open up to feedback from society, particularly from those organisations who work on a daily basis with victims of the negative effects of substance use, including that of cannabis.
Caritas Malta
Malta Association of Psychiatry
Fondazzjoni OASI
Maltese Association of Social Workers
Richmond Foundation
Kamra tal-Ispiżjara
Malta Employers Association
Secretariat for Catholic Education
Anti poverty Forum
Church Schools Association
Alleanza Kontra l-Faqar
Independent Schools Association
Gozo Tourism Association
Karl Vella Foundation
Gozo Business Chamber
Dar Osanna Pia
Dar Tal-Providenza
Fondazzjoni Paolo Freire
Millenium Chapel
St Jeanne Antide Foundation
Dar Merħba Bik
Kummissjoni Ġustizzja u Paci
Fondazzjoni Sebħ