ReLeaf Malta accuses Labour MP of diverting attention from Fenech acquittal with cannabis debate

Pro-cannabis advocacy group ReLeaf Malta has accused Labour MP Mariah Meli of using the issue of cannabis reform to divert public attention from what it described as more pressing concerns, including the rule of law and good governance.

In a statement issued following Meli’s call for an independent review of Malta’s cannabis reform, ReLeaf Malta questioned whether cannabis should be a political priority at a time when the country is dealing with the fallout from the Daphne Caruana Galizia case and scrutiny of Malta’s rule of law.

“The country is in mourning following the shocking revelations in the Daphne Caruana Galizia case, the EU is examining Malta’s rule of law, yet the PL MP’s priority is cannabis,” the group said.

It described the call for a review as “poor tactics aimed at diverting public attention from more important issues, such as the rule of law and good governance”.

ReLeaf Malta said Malta’s cannabis law should be regarded as “a work in progress” and argued that any amendments should strengthen personal rights and freedoms rather than increase stigma around cannabis use.

The group also criticised Caritas Malta over its position on home cultivation, possession and personal consumption of cannabis.

ReLeaf Malta said it was concerned that Caritas continued to support what it called “stigmatising laws” and advocate removing rights relating to personal cannabis cultivation, possession and consumption.

At the same time, the group questioned Caritas’ engagement with cannabis associations.

“Why is Caritas once again speaking against home cultivation while appearing to accept businesses supplying cannabis?” ReLeaf Malta asked. “Is it standing for public health or for commercialisation?”

ReLeaf Malta said it remained committed to advocating for reforms that reflect what it described as the original purpose of Malta’s cannabis legislation: decriminalisation and harm reduction.