After the enactment of the Civil Unions Bill, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat hinted that the next step is drug reform, starting with decriminalisation of soft drugs for first-time users. Do you agree with this?

Reform of drug law is long overdue. I agree with the decriminalisation of soft drugs for first-time users. The idea of sending such a user to prison for possessing drugs is unjust and unfair when compared to sentences given for much worse criminal offences. Jasmine Cassar White, 19, BSc Chemistry (Hons), 2nd year.

Other reforms that could be tackled are of a higher priority than decriminalisation of soft drugs, such as proper reform of education and syllabi in government schools. Having said this, I think banning soft drugs for personal use is too harsh and eventually needs to change. Becky Camilleri, 20, BSc Chemistry (Hons), 2nd year.

Yes, I agree with this legislature because penalties for first-time soft drug offenders are too harsh. Nathan Aquilina, 17, Mcast Extended Diploma in Environmental Sustainibility, 1st year.

Would you agree if soft drugs were to be legalised in the near future?

I don’t completely agree or disagree with the legalisation of soft drugs. If such drugs ever have to be legalised, it should be implemented with set limits on consumption. In addition, there should be proper education on the use of such drugs if they ever do become legal. Jasmine Cassar White

I agree with the legalisation of soft drugs provided there is proper education on the matter and they are used moderately. Substances such as alcohol and cigarettes are far more detrimental to health than marijuana. Proper unbiased studies would need to be carried out on the matter. Other countries have legalized the medical use of marijuana and they have had a lot of positive outcomes on the matter. Becky Camilleri

Soft drugs like marijuana do not kill anyone. Scientific research has even shown that they cause less harm than normal cigarettes or alcohol. Nathan Aquilina

What is your take on the liberal approach the new government has taken?

This liberal approach is definitely a step forward for the country. Matters such as civil unions and drug reform, which were only tackled lightly by the previous government, are being analysed and considered seriously by this legislature. I completely agree with the more liberal approach, as long as the decisions being taken are backed up by studies regarding the matter and that no hidden agendas are involved in the implementation of any legislation. Jasmine Cassar White

My views are very liberal. I believe people should be free to do what they feel is right as long as they cause no harm to third parties. As long as the decisions being taken by the government are backed up by proper studies and are being done with no other agenda in mind, I’m all for having a more liberal legislation. If the government carries out decisions the way they did with civil unions I have no objections, but the Opposition should keep up its critical eye as there is always room for improvement. Becky Camilleri

I think this is a much better legislative body than the one we had before. It is giving first-time offenders a chance to reform without the need for court proceedings and going to prison. Nathan Aquilina

Interviews conducted by Insite – the Student Media Organisation.