Malta is the first country in Europe to legalize the cultivation and consumption of marijuana for recreational use, in a bill that has just been approved in parliament today, and is expected to be enacted by the end of the week.
International media has noted how Malta, the European Union’s smallest member, will just edge past Luxembourg, which has approved but not yet implemented legislation to legalize growing cannabis plants, and Germany, where a new government has pledged to legalize marijuana consumption in licensed stores.
Under the Maltese bill, people 18 and older will be allowed to possess up to seven grams of marijuana and to grow up to four cannabis plants, as well as store up to 50 grams of dried leaves. Anyone caught possessing up to 28 grams will be fined but will not have the offense on their criminal record.
A Bird's Eye View 