*RARE GOOD NEWS STORY ALERT*

On the auspicious day of the 15th December, the European union – or part of it, at least – took its first step into the future. Malta, a central Mediterranean archipelago near Sicily, became the first EU nation to legalise personal use of cannabis, as well as its cultivation. Legal adults will be able to have up to a quarter on their person, and be allowed to grow four plants at their home residence. Partaking of the leaf in front of children or in public is still understandably prohibited, however.

A momentous occasion indeed, and one that seems in step with modern times. The move was not without controversy – it was passed with 36 winning votes, with 27 curmudgeonly Maltese officials seemingly immune to the vast, vast swathes of research that not only points to the social enrichment afforded by cannabis legalisation, but also to its applications as a medicinal aid. While it’s no surprise that various Church-led groups were at the forefront of the pitchfork wielding criticism, it’s sad to see that even medicinal professionals were amongst the unenlightened throng that had misgivings about the new law.

Regardless, the bill took but six weeks from first reading to enactment. Legal Notice 478 inks the change in binding legalese, and it’s an extremely exciting one for not just the Maltese, but for members of the EU at large. Unfortunately, yet predictably, opposition to a bill doesn’t just disintegrate once it has been passed. A newly-created political party was formed with the intent of corralling enough signatures to force a referendum. They’re called ABBA, which is ironic because one of their main party lines seems to be that people don’t in fact, need love. We hope their political campaign will be screaming out for an SOS very soon.

Balancing out the crazies here is a statement from Equality Minister Owen Bonnici, who posits that this positive legislative change is a sign of things to come. “The entry into force of this robust legislative framework underlines this government’s willingness to make bold decisions by implementing wise and unprecedented reforms in order to bring about change and social justice in the best interests of society as a whole.”

One thing to always watch out for when it comes to feelgood legalisation stories is the changes, if any, that will be implemented for past offenders. It’s all well and good to put changes into effect that should have happened decades ago, but it is important to also apply those changes retroactively to those previously incarcerated. Luckily, the Maltese government are attuned to this, and are allowing the previously convicted to apply to have their criminal records expunged of any possession-related offences.

While there are pros and cons of most legislative changes, the overwhelmingly destructive effect of ‘the war on drugs’ means that legalisation of cannabis, one of the least harmful psychoactive substances, is a lock. And while this is extremely exciting times for Malta and its people, the significance of this law change actually exists in the implications it has for the nation it is a part of. Think of this as a gateway to other countries rethinking its cannabis policies. In fact, some have already announced plans to create a regulated market.

If you are a Maltese citizen and now want to take advantage of your legal powers to grow cannabis, why not check out our list of feminised strains? Autos? We’ve got everything you need here at Chosen Seeds.