
The Maltese government has proposed several changes to the cannabis law to improve enforcement, clarify definitions, and provide legal certainty.
Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg announced the amendments during the second reading of the reform bill in Parliament, stating that the goal remains to reduce harm and strengthen regulation.
One major change would mean that offences committed by cannabis associations will now be heard before a Magistrates’ Court instead of the Commissioner for Justice tribunal, reflecting the serious nature of such offences. Individual users will not be affected by this shift.
The amendments also aim to clarify what counts as cannabis under Maltese law. The legal definition will now explicitly include both THC and CBD, while excluding non-psychoactive cannabinoids with less than 0.2% THC.
This change is designed to block synthetic or semi-synthetic substances—like HHC—from entering the market.
The Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) will be granted broader powers to enforce regulations and advise the Minister on new substances.
Cannabis associations will face stricter rules, including a minimum distance of 250 metres from schools, sports facilities, and youth centres. Fines for allowing minors on-site could rise to €10,000.
The opposition Nationalist Party expressed support for tougher enforcement but criticised the original law’s rollout, calling it rushed and poorly implemented.
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