Malta approves 3 new Cannabis Clubs and organizes the first harm reduction training sessions

Malta’s Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) has issued three new licenses to cannabis harm reduction associations (CHRAs). With a total of five cannabis clubs now approved—Sprawt, Northern Lights, and NEGE join KDD Society and Ta’ Zelli who were laid off in early November.

According to Maltese regulations governing cannabis clubs, only associations listed on the ARUC website may cultivate and distribute cannabis to their members. Membership is limited to Maltese residents over the age of 18; a copy of one’s ID card must be provided to the association as proof of age and residence.

RDR Training for Cannabis Clubs

The ARUC also announced the first harm reduction training session for licensed CHRAs and CHRAs in the process of obtaining their licenses. The training, which took place on November 28 and 29, 2023, provided participants with a thorough understanding of harm reduction practices and the essential role that CHRAs play in promoting responsible cannabis use.

Tom Decorte of Ghent University and Karen Mamo of ARUC were among the speakers who explored the historical and operational aspects of a harm reduction approach, as reported by LovinMalta. The speakers highlighted the complex relationship between public health and the regulation of non-medical cannabis use, emphasizing the need for tools and approaches tailored to the various social groups of cannabis users.

Drawing on international experiences in Belgium, Spain, the United States, and Uruguay, the speakers emphasized the importance of preserving the «social» aspect of ACHRs as a protective factor against the potential risks associated with cannabis use.

Mr. Leonid McKay, president of ARUC, spoke about the vital role that ACHRs will play in the coming months as active agents of positive change. He commended the Cannabis Clubs’ commitment to promoting harm reduction approaches and supporting ARUC in evidence-based research protocols and educational campaigns on the responsible use of cannabis.

The two-day program also addressed key operational aspects of ACHRs and the importance of data collection for research purposes, paving the way for informed decision-making and future advances in cannabis regulation on the island of Malta.