In recent months, Malta has legalised recreational cannabis for personal use. This law now allows the formation of cannabis clubs (or cannabis associations) in Malta. These associations will be monitored by the newly formed regulatory authority being the Responsible Use of Cannabis Authority. Such associations which will be non-profit organisations, will have as their aim the cultivation of cannabis to be distributed among its members.
Currently the Responsible Use of Cannabis Authority is drafting the official guidelines for the cannabis clubs. Meanwhile, in this article today we are giving some unofficial information about such cannabis clubs (or cannabis associations) and their memberships in Malta. This is what we know so far.
- Cannabis clubs must register with the new Responsible Use of Cannabis Authority.
- Cannabis clubs must file a report every three months with this authority.
- Cannabis club membership lists will remain anonymous.
- Cannabis clubs will be able to grow cannabis in the same facilities as their club location.
- Cannabis clubs will also eventually be able to grow cannabis in a different location from where the club is registered.
- Cannabis club premises must be located at least 250 meters away from schools or youth centres.
- Cannabis clubs can issue a maximum of seven grams per member-per day, as long as the total of grams distributed does not exceed 50 grams per-member per-month.
- Cannabis clubs can de-register members who are not active.
- Cannabis clubs will be monitored by a software and must send data to the authority.
- Cannabis clubs must not exceed five hundred members.
- Cannabis clubs will not be open for public, but only for members.
- Cannabis clubs will not be a meeting place for smoking or drinking.
- Cannabis clubs cannot distribute joints or any other weed products such as cookies or cupcakes.
- Cannabis club members must be over 18 of years of age.
- Cannabis club members will be able to purchase weed (leaves or compressed) and collect it.
- Cannabis club members must be in possession of a Maltese ID or residence card.
- Cannabis club members will not be allowed to join more than one cannabis association at the same time.
Please note once again that this is not yet official information since the guidelines are not yet issued from the authority.
If you are interested in opening a cannabis club or cannabis association, please contact our lawyer in Malta on [email protected]. Once the guidelines are issued, we will be able to assist you in setting up the Malta cannabis club or Malta cannabis association.
This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.
Sciberras Advocates founded by Dr Adrian Sciberras, is a law firm based in Malta. The firm prides itself to be multi-disciplinary, innovative and flexible in order to meet the changing times and any challenges in the local and international legal scenario. No matter what private or corporate complex demands are called for, Sciberras Advocates offers practical and cost-effective legal solutions to achieve your desired results. You may reach Sciberras Advocates by phone on +35627795222 or via email on [email protected].
