Do you consider marijuana as a gateway drug that may lead to other more harmful substances?
Yes, I do, but I don’t distinguish between marijuana and other substances like alcohol and cigarettes, which can also lead to the use of other substances.
Julian Caruana, 21, Doctor of Laws, first year.
No. Anything can lead to obsessions; you can overdose on pills. It doesn’t really matter whether it’s marijuana or not.
Audrienne Degiorgio, BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Interactive Media, 23, third year.
It depends; everything can lead to obsession and abuse. As long as it’s not abused, I don’t think it should be that much of a problem.
Luca Cauchi, BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Interactive Media, 23, third year.
Alternattiva Demokratika recently announced it favours the decriminalisation of marijuana for personal use. Do you agree with this?
Yes, I agree completely. It’s a pity it’s from Alternattiva Demokratika (rather than the other parties) and probably nothing will come out of it.
Julian Caruana
I agree with it. You shouldn’t criminalise the victim; you should criminalise whoever is selling it.
Audrienne Degiorgio
Yes, I don’t find any problem with it. I think as long as it’s for personal use, there shouldn’t be any problems. Everyone is free to choose.
Luca Cauchi
Do you think local drug legislation ought to be revised?
Yes, legislation needs to distinguish between soft and hard drugs and not pick out people who use drugs for personal use, like marijuana especially. There needs to be a fine line drawn between the two.
Julian Caruana
Yes. At least every couple of years some laws have to be revised because they can become archaic and clog the system.
Audrienne Degiorgio
Yes, every couple of years the laws should be revised.
Luca Cauchi
Interviews conducted by Insite – the Student Media Organisation.