Caritas Raise Concern Over Recent ARUC And MFA Agreement Regarding Cannabis Use

Caritas Malta has raised concerns over a recent agreement between the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis and the Malta Football Association, warning of mixed messages in initiatives involving children and youths.

In a statement, Caritas Malta acknowledged the positive intent behind investing public funds in sport, noting that facilitating access to structured activities such as football nurseries is a “noble social investment” that promotes inclusion and healthy development.

However, the organisation expressed unease at the institutional framing of the agreement, arguing that the term “responsible use” of cannabis is difficult to reconcile with preventive programmes aimed at minors. It said such wording creates ambiguity and risks undermining clear public health messaging.

Caritas Malta compared the situation to promoting road safety under an authority titled “responsible over-speeding,” warning that such contradictions could confuse young people. It stressed that clarity is essential in helping youths make informed and healthy choices.

The organisation also highlighted concerns from families affected by cannabis use, particularly regarding enforcement gaps on public consumption and exposure to children.

Caritas Malta urged stakeholders to exercise greater caution, emphasising that prevention, protection of vulnerable groups, and coherent messaging should remain central to initiatives targeting children and adolescents.

Opposition leader Alex Borg responded to the agreement, stating that sports should remain an environment without any involvement of substances, even legal ones.

His partner Sarah Bajada also released a statement to her social media, stating that she is speaking as a parent and believes that messages which may cause confusion to children is a cause for concern.

Clifton Grima, Minister for Sports, also raised similar concerns about this agreement.

On the other hand, Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg stated that this agreement creates no link between cannabis and sport, and instead emphasised the social aim of the scheme.

OASI also expressed their concern regarding the situation.

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