The first two licenses have been issued for cannabis associations of Malta, which, from what has been announced in recent months, It is expected to open in March 2024.
Reduce the profits of criminal activities deriving from illegal dealing. Dispense products that are not harmful to health. Stop criminalizing simple consumers. These are the objectives promoted by Rebecca Buttigieg, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, to protect citizens.
Buttigieg who highlighted the progressive nature of the Maltese model in a press conference, reporting it as a global example for all countries that are approaching the regulation of cannabis.
Cannabis associations in Malta: licenses issued and rules to follow
The first two associations authorized to grow recreational cannabis I'm there KDD Society and the Ta' Zelli Kannabis. Another four, which are in the final approval phase, have received a license in principle.
Leonid McKay, director of the ARUC (Authority for the responsible use of cannabis) of Malta, for the occasion recalled the rules that every association must follow. In particular:
- the license will cost 1,000 euros, and will be valid for one year and then be renewed for a maximum of three
- the association must have two founding members, not necessarily Maltese but residents on the island for at least 5 years
- each organization can have a maximum of 500 members residents in Malta, and therefore not tourists, who will pay a small registration fee and will be instructed in responsible consumption
- Cannabis, before it can be dispensed, will be subjected to various tests test that guarantee the expected quality standards
- the structure of prices, still under discussion, will be competitive with the illicit market, so that consumers will be pushed to prefer legal trade
- each organization is responsible forentire production of cannabis and, in addition to the inflorescences, will be able to serve drinks, but not alcohol, to consumers, often affected by dry mouth
- for waste, however, the associations will proceed with the composting and the resulting compost will be used to nourish the crops
- finally, approximately 10% of the turnover will be allocated to support socially useful initiatives, plus 5% which will be donated to ARUC.
