Malta's Cannabis Clubs to open from February 28

After a slight delay in ignition, the Maltese cannabis authority has finally released the criteria for opening a cannabis club in Malta.

The application process will open on February 28. Rebecca Buttigieg, Minister for Reforms, and Leonid McKay, head of the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis, emphasized that this is the first legal framework of its kind in Europe, noting that it is’a «pioneering» legal approach».

Here's everything you need to know about Maltese cannabis clubs.

How do you open a cannabis club in Malta?

It will cost at least €1,000 to apply to open a cannabis club in Malta. Approval will be based on an application and an interview. Any license granted will be valid for one year. Each organization must have two founders, who do not need to be Maltese citizens. However, the club’s directors must have been residents of Malta for at least five years.

Each Cannabis Club will be responsible for the entire cannabis supply chain, from seed to sale. The Clubs must grow their own cannabis and may not purchase it from a third party or another Club.

Each club must already have a venue to apply, as well as a cultural space—indoors or outdoors—that is not visible to the public. Cultural venues must meet certain criteria, such as a dedicated video surveillance system and a ventilation system.

The seeds will be available in the European Union as well as in other approved jurisdictions. There will be no limit on the number of seeds that can be purchased.

All clubs must be located within 250 meters of schools and youth centers, but they may also be located in residential areas.

Clubs will not be allowed to advertise cannabis, and club names that include any kind of promotional term—for example Happy Cannabis Smoke Malta – may be rejected for promotional reasons.

Clubs will be required to sell their cannabis at a price lower than the black market price. There will be no price cap and no THC limit. However, pre-rolled joints will not be available for sale. Clubs will also be able to sell cannabis-related accessories, such as grinders, and can serve drinks, but not alcohol.

Each club will be allowed to hold up to 500 grams on its premises. The maximum amount of cannabis will be determined by the number of members in each club, with the limit increasing as the number of members grows.

Each club may have a maximum of 500 members, and an individual may be a member of only one club at a time. Initially, only Maltese residents will be allowed to join the clubs; the terms of access for tourists will be discussed at a later date.

A percentage of the registration fees will be allocated to risk reduction. A tax will be paid on profits earned. Discussions are still ongoing with the VAT Commissioner to determine whether VAT will be applied to cannabis.

Anyone found to be in violation of any of the above rules and criteria will be notified via warning letters before action is taken to suspend or revoke the club’s license and confiscate the merchandise.