Malta Becomes First European Country to Legalise Cannabis for Personal Use

Malta has become the first European country to allow limited cultivation and possession of cannabis for personal use, setting a precedent that is expected to be followed by others.

It will also permit people to grow up to four cannabis plants in their homes, but these must be out of sight of the public.

The European Union’s smallest member state is expected to be followed by similar moves in Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. 

Italy also intends to hold a referendum on whether to legalise cannabis next year.

Since legalising medical marijuana in 2017, Germany’s market has become the largest in Europe, selling £154 million worth of high-THC products to patients last year, according to New Frontier Data.

If cannabis is legalised for recreational use, the country – which has a population of more than 83 million – could become the biggest cannabis market in the world.

The change in direction of a number of European countries and their drug policies comes after a decision by the UN last December to remove cannabis from a listing of drugs designated as potentially addictive and dangerous, or having little or no therapeutic use.