Official rules for clubs applying to sell cannabis revealed

Jan 27 2023

As of February 28th, cannabis clubs, dubbed Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations, can apply to sell home-grown marijuana and must abide by a list of regulations which were outlined on Friday to do so.

The drug was legalised December 2021, and the clubs can apply for licensing through a non-profit model set up by the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis.

The associations must be non-profit and must sell their own product. This means that only seeds can be imported from abroad and that cannabis legally sold in Malta has to be grown in the country.

Under the new regulations, cannabis clubs must have a maximum of 500 members and cannot be within 250 metres of a school or youth centre. The association also cannot advertise itself, with the word cannabis not allowed in the name of the association.

Two founders with no history of money laundering, an administrator who has lived in Malta for at least 5 years and a legal representative need to apply to create an association. They must also provide a location to grow cannabis and another to sell.

Applicants must pay a registration fee of €1,000 and the license fee starts at €8,750 for the first 50 members. Cannabis sold must also include a label discouraging the use and also provide details.

Plants must be hidden away from plain sight such as in a greenhouse and the seed must be cultivated at any location that is compliant with planning regulations. Anyone over the age of 18 can join a club, but only a single one.

#MaltaDaily

MEP Cyrus Engerer slams war on drugs as a failure

Jan 27 2023

Maltese Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Cyrus Engerer took to Twitter to address recent comments made on ‘the war on drugs’ and following the recent killing of 30-year-old Pelin Kaya.

Engerer said that a war on drugs will always fail and that ‘no country can arrest its way out of drugs – it is much more complex.’

‘This matter is not for sensationalism and populist statements. We must attack trafficking, while at the same time work on addiction knowledge and well-being. Science not ideology’ he wrote.

A war on drugs will always fail. No country can arrest its way out of drugs – its much more complex. This matter is not for sensationalism & populist statements. We must attack trafficking, while at the same time work on addiction knowledge & wellbeing. Science not ideology. pic.twitter.com/ddi2Fuh5JE

— Cyrus Engerer (@engerer) January 26, 2023

Pelin Kaya was killed by a cocaine-intoxicated Jeremie Camilleri, who drove his car into the woman and then into a KFC in Gżira.

The incident prompted Nationalist MP Jerome Caruana Cilia to call for a revitalisation in the war against drugs to counter a spike in drug trafficking. He stated that the war should focus on traffickers and not drug users, who need rehabilitation, instead of prison sentences.

#MaltaDaily

Here are some films to watch for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Jan 27 2023

The 27th of January commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The day remembers back on the victims of the Holocaust, which saw the murer of one third of the Jewish people as well as millions of other minorities between 1933 and 1945.

The day was chosen to commemorate the date when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated.

Here we’ve chosen some of the best and most gut-wrenching films centred around these horrific historical events, for further education about the Holocaust and to show solidarity with all those impacted…

Sophie’s Choice

Son of Saul

Schindler’s List

Jojo Rabbit

The Pianist

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Life is Beautiful

The Book Thief

#MaltaDaily

Roberta Metsola receives Woman of the Year Award

Jan 27 2023

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has just been awarded a ‘Woman of the Year’ Award during the fourth edition of the Women in a Legal World Conference in Spain.

Metsola was presented the award by Spain’s Economy Minister Nadia Calvino, with the award handed to her for the work carried out at the European Parliament.

A great honour to receive the Woman of the Year award in Madrid.

Thank you @WomenLegalW for all you do to empower women.

Grateful to all those women who came before and opened the door. Now, our challenge is to make it easier for those who come next.

Let’s keep the momentum. pic.twitter.com/cJTNOYlGfi

— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) January 26, 2023

Her work in dealing with the Ukraine war, her fight against corruption and the defence of EU values were all highlighted.

Metsola wrote on Twitter saying that she is ‘grateful to all those women who came before and opened the door. Now, our challenge is to make it easier for those who come next. Let’s keep the momentum.’

#MaltaDaily