As a group of mothers, we would like to voice our concern regarding the proposed decriminalisation of cannabis.

Our first concern is that this law gives the erroneous impression that cannabis is not so harmful. Both Sedqa and Caritas have clearly stated that it is a dangerous and mind-altering drug.

Extensive research has shown that, if youths are given the impression a drug is not too risky, use tends to increase rather than decrease. We feel that, through this law, society is sending the message that cannabis is fine, because it is not so dangerous, but this is not in our children’s best interests.

In its electoral programme, this government has pledged to increase education on the negative effects of drug use and we feel this policy is not in line with this aim. It is not what we, as parents and as educators, are trying to teach our children.

Drug addiction is just as harmful as cigarette and alcohol addiction and we all know how hard it can be for youths to resist these. By doing away with the legal deterrent, we are making it easier for youths to try cannabis. In the process they are often exposed to those same circles which provide other illegal drugs.

The fact that this law proposes that youths caught in possession for the first time be let off with a warning is also cause for concern. We feel this is a missed opportunity because they are being denied help at a stage when it is most likely to be effective. A first-time offender is not synonymous with first-time user and these youths could already have a serious addiction problem.

A positive aspect we noted is that this law proposes reducing the penalty for those drug users who call for medical help.

Our hope is that this proposed law focuses on helping persons deal with drug addiction and its harmful effects.

We do appreciate that this policy is a step towards fighting the battle against drugs and this is precisely why we feel we should ensure that no aspect of it could potentially encourage drug use.