Thousands of Maltese citizens would be stigmatised and forced into a black market for cannabis, as a result of an “unjust and poor social policy”, a lobby group said on Monday.

The organisation called Releaf said it was disappointed that the Nationalist Party had reconfirmed its position against the legalisation of the personal use of cannabis, especially in light of recent tentative steps towards a more sensible drug policy. It added that this was “especially saddening” after it met with Opposition leader Adrian Delia.

“Unfortunately, with the honourable Chris Said’s clear message at a public debate in Gozo over the weekend, the Nationalist Party seem resolute to be on the wrong side of history on this very important issue,” it said, adding that it was essential for legislators to move on from entertaining a dis-proven, antiquated idea of cannabis.

“The cannabis plant is an incredibly versatile natural plant that has a long list of beneficial uses, as a drug as well as applications like textiles and food, and there’s not a single death associated with its use. It is only a weak social and economic policy that ignores what can be gained from legalising and legislating the plant. This kind of policy, as we currently have, creates a system where Maltese children have unfettered access to untested cannabis.”