Alternattiva Demokratika has called on Labour MP Godfrey Farrugia to present a Private Member’s Bill on his proposal for the government to consider therapeutic use of cannabis.

In a statement this afternoon, AD chairman Arnold Cassola said Dr Farrugia, a former health minister, should act in parliament following Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne's dismissal of his proposal.

Dr Fearne had said the government would consider the matter if there was a request from industry or from a professional body, such as the Medicines Authority.

"While it is true that politicians should never decide things on their own, but first listen to experts, it is absurd that (Dr) Fearne thinks that politicians should not propose things,” AD said.

Prof. Cassola said the role of a backbencher was to propose and criticise and one should not buy back benchers' silence through their incorporation in boards and authorities.

“Godfrey Farrrugia should follow up his sensible suggestion with the presentation of a private member's bill on the regulation of cannabis for medical use. This is the only way forward in Malta, where arrogant governments think that everybody has to go their way... or no way,” Prof. Cassola said.