Malta says no to cannabis tourism as first production licenses are granted

By Lucía Tedesco via El Planteo

The first licenses were granted in Malta by the Authority for Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC), while Leonid McKay, the CEO, denied that it is a market for tourism. Two cannabis associations were authorized for the production and distribution of marijuana and other derivatives.

The associations KDD Society and Ta' Zelli can operate with the aim of reducing harm related to adult consumption. They will be responsible for setting their own prices. But the condition is that they must be competitive with the illegal market. “We will not control the price of cannabis in any way,” said McKay, according to Canna Reporter.

Malta announced “cannabis-free tourism”

“We will not provide a market for tourists”, emphasized the CEO of ARUC. This is because, according to the institution, the idea is for the associations to regulate substance use instead of promoting it.

Additionally, joining these associations involves a process that takes longer than tourism. The person who wishes to be a member will have to go through an interview, pay a fee, provide the cannabis itself, give information about their consumption, and receive guidance to contribute to the community, meaning that being a member will imply a responsibility.

In turn, the capacity will be limited to 250 people per association, and 15% of their profits will be allocated to expenses for substance education, sustainable projects, and harm reduction.

Other aspects of cannabis in Malta

Through the associations, users can obtain a limited amount of cannabis and have in their possession up to seven grams of flowers. They are also allowed to grow four plants in their homes.

Malta was the first country in Europe to legalize cannabis use for adults in December 2021. Currently, with a regulatory framework in place, the first sales are expected to start in the first quarter of 2024.