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Malta receives 7 Cannabis License Applications

May 19 2023 Share

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.

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Just Bants: 5 things to do when Love Island Malta is not on

Just Bants: 5 things to do when Love Island Malta is not on
May 18 2023 Share

We’ll be the first to admit that we did not want this faithful day to arrive, but it has. With a clear schedule and nothing particularly interesting on TV, today is our first day without Love Island Malta since it first went on air. However, we’re not ones to just sit down, give up and sulk around, so here are 5 things to do when Love Island Malta is not on.

1. Binge the first 5 episodes

Just so you make sure that you’re caught up on all the hot gossip, relationship stirs and surprising friendships, catch up on the first few episodes of Love Island Malta so you make sure you didn’t skip a beat.

 

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2. Rank your favourite Islanders

Print them if you must, but take this newfound free time to decide which islanders are your favourite and rank them. Whether it’s the catchphrase king Dale or the self-proclaimed ‘first on the dance floor’ Sabrina, which Islander is your favourite?

3. Revisit your favourite memes of the past week

If there is one definite upside to the arrival of Love Island Malta on our screens, it’s the marvellous myriad of memes that the show has produced. From hilarious villa conversations to that iconic ‘relax bello’ moment, the fun doesn’t stop. And speaking of…

 

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4. Relax Bello

Just for the sake of variety, take today as an opportunity to rest, relax and recapitulate a week of hard work. Go watch a movie, hit the clubs or spend some time with the family because tomorrow we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming.

 

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5. Join the Malta Daily Love Island Gossip Group

Just in case you haven’t joined already, we’ve went ahead and created a Facebook group for all the gossip, memes and moments taking place on Love Island Malta, so make sure you enter and join in on the fun.

P.S. We’re just kidding. Go out, spend some well-deserved time with friends, enjoy your weekend and stay safe. But remember, don’t drink too much… because Love Island is back tomorrow.

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According to You: Sabrina & Kyle current favourite couple

According to You: Sabrina & Kyle current favourite couple
May 18 2023 Share

According to a poll released by MaltaDaily, Sabrina and Kyle are the Love Island couple dominating as favourite. 

As of the time of writing, Sabrina and Kyle garnered a whopping 645 votes. The couple matched in the beginning of the programme, despite Kyle having chosen Nicola before she was chosen by Dale. 

Following in second place are Gabrielle and Sven, who also stayed together through the second re-coupling with 239 votes on our poll. Following in third are Chelsea and Allen, who joined in the new coupling with 128 votes. 

Allen was previously matched Marie Christine and Chelsea with the now single Nate. 

They are followed by Marie Christine coupled with the added bombshell Andriy at 22 votes. In last place are Nicola and Dale at just 18 votes. 

What do you make of this? Go vote for your favourite couple on our Facebook page!

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Dates for European elections officially announced

Dates for European elections officially announced
May 18 2023 Share

Taking to social media, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced that the dates for the European Parliament elections have been set for the 6th to 9th of June 2024. 

Metsola said that ‘European Union democracy is more important today than ever’, and urged people to vote and not let others vote for them. 

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‘The European Union is not perfect. It is evolving continuously. The world is changing and we must change with it’ said the President. 

She said that reform is necessary and that we should not be afraid of this but must instead be able to embrace it. ‘Be part of the largest democratic exercise in Europe.’ 

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