Since February 28, seven associations have submitted applications to the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) in Malta to obtain licenses for cannabis cultivation and distribution.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, announced this development during a press briefing on Thursday. Additionally, 11 names have been reserved for associations, with several others in the process of preparing their applications.

Buttigieg emphasised that the regulatory framework of the ARUC has been revised based on feedback from applicants. These changes aim to create a more accommodating environment for prospective founders in the cannabis industry. Furthermore, Malta intends to lead in this sector and plans to meet with foreign countries interested in implementing a similar flexible regulatory framework for cannabis use.

Chairman of ARUC, Leonid McKay, highlighted the significance of human resources within the Authority. He mentioned that the Authority has assembled a capable team, with one member responsible for licensing cannabis associations and another overseeing compliance and enforcement matters. He said that regular collaboration with interested NGOs, banks, laboratories, and other authorities will ensure an efficient licensing process.

McKay further explained that the associations will employ various cultivation practices, encompassing both indoor and outdoor sites, and cultivating cannabis plants with different profiles. The associations are composed of 51 to 250 members, with the majority aiming for a membership of approximately 100 to 150 individuals.

One of the challenges identified through association feedback was the difficulty of securing properties during the application process. To address this concern, the application format has been modified to allow associations to adopt a modular approach, submitting certain documents progressively.

Transportation of cannabis products will be conducted by ADR-certified individuals, a certification currently issued by Transport Malta. However, McKay stated that the ARUC will now be responsible for issuing the necessary certification for the transportation of cannabis as no specific certification is currently available. Strict guidelines will be in place, including transportation during daylight hours, temperature-controlled vehicles with tracking and logs, sealed containers, and adherence to specified routes without any stops or delays.

Regarding testing, periodic examinations will be conducted to ensure product quality and prevent the mixing of illicit market products. The ARUC will absorb some testing costs whilst waste disposal methods have also been revised.

Certain cannabis regulations remain unchanged, including the requirement for administrators to have resided in Malta for the past five years and to have a good conduct record. Administrators can be democratically elected among association members. Membership within associations will be limited to local residents, promoting a community-based approach.

Associations will operate on a non-profit basis, overseeing the entire process from seed to distribution. Sites for cultivation and distribution must be at least 250 meters away from schools and youth centers. Regularly audited accounts and financial reports will be submitted, and no other activities besides cannabis cultivation and distribution will be permitted on the premises.

Moreover, the ARUC has stipulated that cannabis with a THC content exceeding 18% may not be sold to individuals aged 18 to 21. Associations requiring additional premises to reach their members will be allowed to do so if necessary.

#MaltaDaily