Law aiming to clear simple drug convictions expected next year

Dates for expected public consultation yet to be given
Times of Malta (Malta)
Friday, December 2, 2022

malta pinMalta won’t see a bill that introduces a path to clearing simple drug convictions from people’s criminal records until sometime next year. A spokesperson for the ministry of equality and reforms said that a public consultation would be “kickstarted in the coming months, with the aim of presenting legislative amendments next year”. Last year, parliament approved a sweeping cannabis reform, which, along with decriminalising cannabis for personal use, allowed anyone with a criminal record for cannabis possession to have it struck off. In June, Prime Minister Robert Abela said the government was seeking to consult with stakeholders on the possibility of extending that forgiveness to any person with a simple drug possession conviction.