Caritas hit out at the government proposal to decriminalise the use of cannabis yesterday, amid a generally positive reaction from stakeholders.
The Church drug rehabilitation agency welcomed the main thrust of the drug reform White Paper released by the Justice Ministry but disagreed with a proposal for cannabis smokers to no longer face criminal proceedings, even in the case of repeat offenders.
While agreeing that first-time offenders should no longer be taken to the criminal courts, Caritas said there should be no distinction between soft and hard drugs.
It called for the creation of a specific drugs court with professionals in the field aimed at hastening drug cases.
The positive reactions included those from Opposition justice spokesman and deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami, who had put forward the Nationalist Party’s stand last week.
On cannabis, Dr Fenech Adami said the PN agreed in principle as long as cannabis use remained illegal. The new status that would be afforded to the drug, he said, would only work if the deterrent, an administrative fine, was properly enforced.
Dr Fenech Adami said the PN had no problem with first-time users no longer facing court. He was also pleased with the government’s position on traffickers, saying both parties seemed to agree with retaining the same harsh laws on the sale of drugs.
The government is also proposing allowing the courts to hand down non-prison sentences to addict traffickers in particular cases – a suggestion the PN is also onboard with.
The White Paper was also welcomed by Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna who had questioned whether decriminalising drugs would play into the hands of drug barons.
Contacted yesterday, Mgr Scicluna said the proposals seemed to strike a balance between caring for victims of substance abuse and being harsh with traffickers.
He was glad to see the government take a clear stand against the use of drugs but acknowledged that a review of the laws was necessary.
PN deputy leader
Beppe Fenech Adami
The PN justice spokesman’s reaction was “generally positive”.
Law on common good as well as common sense
Dr Fenech Adami said the PN had no problem with de-penalising the first-time offence of drug use, as well as with proposals to give courts more leeway when dealing with addict-traffickers.
The PN also agreed with the de-penalisation of cannabis use, but called for deterrents to be enforced.
“The system must ensure that fines are collected not to have a similar situation like school absenteeism where fines remain uncollected,” he said.
Legalisation lobbyist
David Caruana
Legalisation campaigner David Caruana welcomed the relaxation of laws, particularly those on cannabis.
Exactly what our country needs
“I feel especially satisfied with this White Paper as it makes a clear distinction between cannabis and more harmful drugs,” he said.
A pioneer of the movement calling for softer laws on cannabis, Mr Caruana called the consultation document a step in the right direction. On cultivation, he said a distinction should be made between those growing a small amount for personal use and others who aim to traffic the drug.
Auxiliary Bishop
Charles Scicluna
While welcoming the general direction of the White Paper, Mgr Scicluna said he was “apprehensive” about the proposals on cannabis.
I am apprehensive about the proposals on cannabis
Describing his initial reaction as “positive”, Mgr Scicluna said he would be meeting other members of the Church who had dedicated their lives to helping addicts, to discuss the proposal on cannabis.
“The reality is that people are already turning to drugs. We need to have realistic policies to deal with this. We also need functioning rehabilitation and care services,” he said.
National Drug Commission chairman
Joe Sammut
Drug commissioner Joe Sammut said the White Paper had taken on many commission recommendations.
He expressed his support for the setting up of a traffic-style tribunal to handle first-time offenders, as well as the introduction of a quantification system.
Let’s not focus on where we disagree
The recommendation for addict-traffickers to not necessarily face prison sentences was also welcomed.
“We should make distinctions between those who traffic for their own gain and others who peddle drugs to maintain their habit.”
Ultimately, Mr Sammut called for an educated discussion that would highlight points of national unity and not disagreement.