The legislation, expected to pass through the Maltese parliament in a vote tomorrow, will also let those who are 18-and-over to possess up to seven grams of cannabis (about a quarter of an ounce).

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

The legislation is set to be quickly signed off by Malta's president George Vella.

Europe'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.

Local news website Lovin Malta said the reforms are intended to regulate personal cannabis use and to reduce the harm it can do.

It also aims to protect recreational users, and prevent them from using illegal markets, the site reported. 

Speaking to Malta Today, minister for equality Owen Bonnici said: 'We want to reduce the suffering, humiliation and deprivation of other rights that many cannabis users have experienced when they have been subjected to arrest and judicial proceedings on possession of small amounts.'

He also told The Guardian: 'I'm very glad that Malta will be the first country which will put words in statute in a comprehensive manner with a regulatory authority.

'There is a wave of understanding now that the hard-fist approach against cannabis users was disproportionate, unjust and it was rendering a lot of suffering to people who are leading exemplary lives.