Synthetic cannabinoids got their name because they act on the same brain cell receptors as tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the main active ingredient in cannabis. A number of these chemicals were first developed by scientists for their medical properties to investigate whether synthetic cannabinoids could be used in treating certain diseases, such as pain disorders and cancer. However, they first appeared as recreational drugs in Europe in 2006.
Synthetic cannabinoids are classified as new psychoactive substances. In 2018, Malta added the term ‘new psychoactive substances’ with the definition of illicit drugs.
Manufacturers of synthetic cannabinoids are very adaptable as they alter the substances they use when one chemical is about to be legally controlled. The flexibility of this market makes detecting, monitoring and responding to synthetic cannabinoids particularly challenging.
Cases evaluated individually, thoroughly and diligently
We refer to the article ‘What offence have I committed?’ that was published on February 28. The Directorate of Child Protection under the remit of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services rejects and rebuts the allegations made in that article as being unfounded both on a factual and legal basis. Such an article only intended to create sensationalism towards the case. A counter-judicial protest will be filed in the Registry of the Courts in the coming days.
The Directorate of Child Protection is bound by law not to disclose details, as, strictly speaking, the mother of the children interviewed in the article did. In fact, article 77 of Chapter 602 of the Laws of Malta clearly prohibits the publication of information leading to the identification of children as being in alternative care.
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Detailed regulations to govern Children’s House, meant to serve as a safe space for children to testify during court cases over abuse or domestic violence, will soon be published, the Family Ministry has said.
Children’s House was inaugurated in Santa Venera four years ago by then Family Ministry Michael Farrugia but is still not being used.
Since that day, however, its purpose has been revisited, causing its opening to be delayed.
A ministry spokesperson said that, following the inauguration, it was decided that Children’s House would also be used for court proceedings “requiring the giving of evidence by minors, especially in criminal proceedings.”
The Nationalist Party has called for the government to explain why staff at government agencies are being vaccinated against COVID-19 while elderly people are s