
The Medical Association of Malta (MAM) has called for urgent government action following the hospitalisation of seven people in the past five days after consuming cannabis edibles containing synthetic cannabinoids, including the compound CC9.
Patients experienced severe and prolonged symptoms such as vision issues, excessive drowsiness, vomiting and liver damage. MAM Vice President Dr. Jeffrey Bonnici confirmed some had consumed edibles containing CC9, a potent semi-synthetic cannabinoid, based on packaging shown to doctors.
“These products are dangerous, unregulated and misleadingly labelled as ‘not for human consumption’ while clearly intended for it,” MAM said, warning that they bypass EU safety standards and pose serious health risks.
The association stressed that these edibles can have much longer-lasting and unpredictable effects than natural cannabis, increasing the risk of overdose and mental health complications.
ReLeaf Malta also condemned the spread of these “fake cannabinoids”, urging authorities to remove them from the market. The NGO said it has repeatedly called for action since 2022 but has been ignored.
MAM is urging the government to pull these products from sale and hold sellers accountable.
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