Cannabis : legalise, decriminalise, or deregulate

Abstract

Cannabis is a very controversial and debatable issue between proponents and those against the legalization, decriminalization, or deregulation of this substance. It is a divisive and difficult subject combined with complex ethical, sociological, legal, medical and political issues regarding which many are the questions and few are the answers. This study is an attempt at identifying and discussing these issues with a view of finding out whether cannabis should be acknowledged as a safe drug with the result of legalizing or decriminalizing it. The analysis is based on 30 interviews conducted with professionals and 20 case-scenarios administered to other professionals recommended by the first interviewees. This study will also focus on the prohibition side of cannabis use and whether such measures of declaring cannabis as a criminal act has in fact produced a decrease in crime rate. Last but not least it is important to point out that this study is not intended to determine if the concept of legitimizing the use of cannabis is favourable or otherwise. However, by assessing the various aspects and findings of this study, one could determine and evaluate the following question: "Should Malta legalise, decriminalise, or deregulate cannabis?"