ARUC Study Confirms Legal Cannabis Safer Than Illegal Alternatives
Tests conducted in the laboratories of the University of Malta on cannabis samples from licensed associations and illegally trafficked sources have revealed a clear difference in safety standards.
Traces of pesticides were found in the illegal cannabis, while no such residues were detected in cannabis cultivated legally by associations regulated by the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC).
The results were presented at a press conference by Dr Godwin Sammut, the forensic expert who led the scientific analysis. This comparative study, the first of its kind, analysed 24 samples, evenly split between legally cultivated and illegal cannabis.
Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, said the findings provide further proof that the Government’s reform on the responsible use of cannabis is achieving its objectives.
She explained that effective regulation reduces the health risks associated with illegal cannabis.
“This analysis provides reassurance regarding the effective controls that ARUC is implementing on associations, which, among other measures, are not allowed to use any type of pesticide in the cultivation of cannabis plants,” she said.
She also highlighted the greater danger posed by illegal cannabis, which is often synthetic and therefore significantly more harmful.
The Parliamentary Secretary stressed that the study was not intended to promote the consumption of legal cannabis, noting that the Government’s mission remains to discourage the use of all drugs. This year ARUC will invest half a million euros in education and prevention campaigns.
ARUC Executive Chairperson Dr Joey Reno Vella confirmed that the study was conducted under a cooperation agreement with the University of Malta and that research collaboration will continue.
He also reported that in recent months ARUC received 140 complaints about cannabis odours affecting third parties in residential areas, most of which were resolved following enforcement recommendations.
Dr Vella emphasised that responsible use must always be conducted with respect and accountability towards everyone, including those not using cannabis.ARUC Study Confirms Legal Cannabis Safer Than Illegal Alternatives
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