Malta: medical cannabis in pharmacies «within a week»

The first shipment of medical cannabis is expected to arrive in Malta «within a week» after Aurora Cannabis announced yesterday that it was sending two varieties of medical cannabis to Malta: Pedanios 22/1 (22% THC, < 1% CBD) and Pedanios 20/1 (20% THC, < 1% CBD).

«We are honored that, through Pedanios, Aurora is the leading provider of medical cannabis for Maltese patients.» said Neil Belot, Head of Business Development at Aurora. «With a strong and experienced team, as well as an ideal regional presence, Pedanios gives Aurora a first-mover advantage in the European market. Distributing products for Malta’s medical cannabis program strengthens our visibility and brand recognition in Europe and internationally.»

Pedanios GmbH, a German company licensed to import, export, and distribute cannabis in Europe, is a subsidiary of Aurora Cannabis, canadian medical cannabis producer. Aurora became the first cannabis producer to obtain a cannabis license in Malta last June, and received its export permit for the island from German authorities on June 21. Aurora partnered with the Maltese company Cherubino, one of the island’s largest pharmaceutical companies, to navigate the local bureaucratic maze.

Pedanios also supplies cannabis to Germany and Italy.

Medical cannabis will be available in 10-gram jars in the form of dried flowers that can be vaporized or brewed as tea. Medical cannabis may be prescribed by a doctor for conditions such as chronic pain—particularly neuropathic pain—and fibromyalgia.

«Meanwhile, several pharmaceutical companies are working very hard to bring products to market, including various oils, tinctures, and capsules,», explains Dr. Agius. «They’re working hard to produce tinctures in Malta because it’s the most convenient way to administer the medication to people who have never smoked, or to the elderly.»