Malta now has 11 Cannabis Clubs

The ARUC (Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis), Malta’s cannabis regulatory authority, announced earlier this week that two new cannabis clubs had been granted licenses, bringing the total number of cannabis clubs in Malta to 11, according to CannabisIndustry.

Two New Cannabis Clubs Authorized in Malta

ARUC posted on Facebook:

«ARUC is pleased to announce that two new operating licenses have been granted for the cultivation and distribution of cannabis. The new clubs, Mr. T and Grassroots, join the nine other clubs already in operation, bringing the total number of licensees to 11.".

This growth is part of ARUC’s ongoing mission to guide cannabis users toward safe, regulated products while steering them away from the harmful substances often found on the illicit market. Cannabis distributed by licensed associations undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it is free of harmful chemicals and contaminants.

A quick reminder: Only approved organizations are authorized to distribute cannabis. Sharing or selling cannabis outside of these organizations remains *illegal*. »

Malta has legalized home cultivation and cannabis clubs late 2021. Earlier this year, Malta’s first cannabis club began distributing cannabis to its members.

Will there soon be places to consume?

L’ARUC is considering allowing designated areas for cannabis use, offering an alternative to users who have limited opportunities to smoke in private.

According to Joey Reno Vella, the director general of ARUC, said the agency is in discussions with various stakeholders to explore the possibility of on-site consumption, as consumption is currently permitted only in private residences.

This measure would provide users—particularly those with children or who live in shared living spaces—with a safe and legal place to consume cannabis away from minors and neighbors who are sensitive to its odor. Joey Vella emphasized that this initiative requires careful planning and cannot be implemented hastily.

The introduction of’on-site dining areas could also help reduce illegal smoking in public, as Joey Vella pointed out: «Could it be that some people smoke in public because they have nowhere else to smoke?»

Authorization to sell cannabis resin and’edibles The issue of clubs is also under consideration.

Combating the Black Market

Ever since Malta legalized the possession and the culture of the Cannabis In 2021, ARUC believes it plays a key role in consumers' transition to the black market. While Joey Vella acknowledges that the illicit trade has not been completely eradicated, he believes he has been significantly weakened.

«The black market is still active and will likely remain so, but we have dealt it a severe blow,» Mr. Vella said in an interview with the Times of Malta.

The increase in membership in licensed cannabis associations supports this claim, as many consumers have turned away from illegal sources and toward the regulated market. These associations provide cannabis of controlled quality, ensuring consumer safety by testing for the presence of harmful substances.