18 years jail, €40,000 fine for cannabis possession

Paul Smith

Jun 25th 2009, 20:39

In an about face, the United Nations on Wednesday lavishly praised drug decriminalization in its annual report on the state of global drug policy. In previous years, the UN drug czar had expressed skepticism about Portugal's decriminalization, which removed criminal penalties in 2001 for personal drug possession and emphasized treatment over incarceration. The UN had suggested the policy was in violation of international drug treaties and would encourage "drug tourism."

But in its 2009 World Drug Report, the UN had little but kind words for Portugal's radical (by U.S. standards) approach. "These conditions keep drugs out of the hands of those who would avoid them under a system of full prohibition, while encouraging treatment, rather than incarceration, for users. Among those who would not welcome a summons from a police officer are tourists, and, as a result, Portugal's policy has reportedly not led to an increase in drug tourism," reads the report. "It also appears that a number of drug-related problems have decreased."

In its upbeat appraisal of Portugal's policy, the UN finds itself in agreement with Salon's Glenn Greenwald.

But you keep up your taliban style law enforement Malta!

Guze Xerri

Jun 25th 2009, 20:24

My view over the years is that Governments will never legalize cannabis as it is a viable competitor to these two giant money makers( Big Pharma & the alcohol industry).

A perfectly safe herb that can be grown in your backyard or on your rooftop in Malta in 90 days at a cost of a couple of euros.
A herb that is a godsend for people with certain medical ailments like arthritis or multiple sclerosis or crohn's disease etc.

This is the most studied herb in the world in the last 160 years and they fully know what its therapeutic properties are inside out and was used in medical tinctures till 1941, but since a natural herb cannot be patented it is seen as a threat to the fiscal bottom line of the huge pharmaceutical companies.
Cannabis has given me my life back from the pain and ravages of crippling arthritis.
Open your minds people, do not be led like sheep.
Multi national corporations do not have your interest at heart.

Paul Smith

Jun 25th 2009, 17:32

Thank the lord i live in a more mature rational country than a semi theocracy like Malta.
This guy in the UK would have got a 5 year suspended sentence or maybe 18 months in Jail.
Even Big Pharma are growing it to make into canaboid drugs to help sick people and that is where to problem lies. because big Pharma know that we can all grow it and wont want to buy it from them. The alcohol and tobbaco industry regulary lobby UK Gov to clamp down on cannabis production - the tide is turning though in the UK at least. Whilst Malta still resides in the middle ages. I'm suprised you dont burn single mothers at the stake?
queue all the old misguided miss informed middle age maltese and british ex-pats whom have had there dose of brandy, whisky, beer, fags today whom think this is a suitable sentence, bout time they moved on anyway to cut down on the social security and medical bills.
This case needs an urgent appeal.

Guze Xerri

Jun 25th 2009, 14:58

They should put purveyors of alcohol and tobacco in prison instead of someone selling the most useful herb known to mankind.

Cannabis has replaced many expensive and harmful big pharma drugs in my struggle against crippling arthritis, there is nothing like it for pain relief and for its anti inflammatory properties.

People should know about the therapeutic and the healing power of this herb that has been used safely by mankind for 5000 years instead of the usual government and news media spread lies and false stories to demonize cannabis.
Free the herb !