Shortage of medical cannabis in Malta

Trade restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, combined with Malta's production and distribution laws, have restricted the country's supply of both legal and illegal cannabis. Shortly after the legalization of medical cannabis in 2018, Malta had already experienced a shortage. However, the black market was still stocked, and patients were able to compensate temporarily. This time, however, medical users found themselves at risk, unable to obtain their treatment.

«So much for [Malta being] the medical center of Europe,» said Andrew Bonello, president of community organization Releaf Malta. «One of the medicinal cannabis brands, Pedanios, has been out of stock for about a month, and Bedrocan, the only other alternative, has been out of stock for two or three weeks. People are furious. So many people have contacted us, we can't keep up.»

Two weeks ago, Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba raised the issue of the limited availability of medical cannabis. «Maltese legislation... leads to a major disadvantage when one of these products is not available on the local market,» he said. «This leads patients who depend on this type of medicine to rely on the illegal market or are forced to use products derived from medical opioids.»

At last count, at least one variety became available again on Friday, September 4.

«Fortunately, one of the only two locally licensed brands, Bedrocan, arrived in pharmacies last Friday, while Pedanios should soon be in stock,» a declared Andrew Bonello.

The shortage prompted Alex Agius Saliba to call for improved regulation to guarantee supplies for Maltese patients.

«I have spoken out and will continue to press the authorities to change our legislation so that we no longer restrict our market.»

Although medical cannabis has been legal in Malta since 2018, Andrew Bonello adds that the problems are not limited to the supply of medical cannabis, but also the lack of diversity of products available, the limited number of legal sources and the high cost of legal cannabis.

«A lot of people just want to be able to grow their own cannabis because they simply can't afford the exorbitant prices,» says Bonello. «How can a cancer patient pay €960 a month when he can't even work?»