At the roundtable, Rolles explained that the Maltese not-for-profit model is being pointed to by regulators across the world as a positive example of drug policy reform – “rooted in human rights and principles of harm reduction”. 

It is true that Malta’s approach is being celebrated elsewhere, but those who are closer to the Maltese weed market have not been nearly as enthusiastic about the extremely disjointed and slow progress being made by ARUC.

The emphasis on harm reduction, including considerations for social justice and the negative consequences caused by the, “war on drugs,” will remain key to ensure cannabis reform promotes the well-being of society and protects the most vulnerable. 

Jelsma spoke about the relationship between drug policy reform in consumer countries and socio-economic development in producing countries.

This discussion highlighted a divide between EU and global south nations.

Countries such as Morocco are rapidly beginning to cultivate large quantities of cannabis, and as more countries regulate cultivation and distribution, producer countries and relatively impoverished rural communities are likely to experience a reduction of income. 

Ensuring that socially and environmentally sustainable cultivation practices are put in place needs to be a regulatory priority.

Jelsma emphasised that outdoor cultivation has a reduced environmental impact, and that basing the primary burden of cultivation in countries with high and temperate climates could allow for significant savings in energy and financial costs.  

ARUC Chairperson Leonid McKay reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting responsible cannabis use through a transparent and strict regulatory framework – with a fervent harm reduction approach. 

McKay welcomed proposals for increased inter-institutional cooperation and the establishment of regular dialogue with different stakeholders. 

In the coming months ARUC will be organising more thematic round tables aimed at further promoting the responsible use of cannabis in Malta.

Recently, the organisation has coordinated a visit to the University of Malta Forensic Analysis Laboratory – meeting with academic experts to learn more about the role of testing produced cannabis to ensure safety – but also concretely compete with the illegal market.

The illegal market – despite a big bust at the end of last month – is still booming.

To mark the end of February, the criteria for opening legal cannabis clubs in Malta were announced. By April, seven prospective clubs had already reserved their chosen names. At the start of June, 26 applications were submitted for cannabis club licenses, but none have yet been granted.

When Lovin Malta spoke to a prospective cannabis club operator, they reported that they would need to “receive licenses before the end of July 2023” – or they won’t be able to start their next grow until May 2024.

Once they are licensed, a new directive will not allow associations to rent property for a period of time exceeding the length of the permit they’ve been issued – which will be short-term.

This is concerning to association operators, because, “short-term leases may not be financially viable or practical for property owners.” 

In essence, the prospective owner is thinking about practicalities – and still hoping to be able to start operating by the end of this month.

Meanwhile, ARUC is iterating, reiterating, and re-reiterating on the same notions.

Harm reduction. Avoiding a “war on drugs”. Dialogue with different stakeholders. All good. All important. 

And all the sort of discussion a regulator has when it is in the thinking phase – not the implementation phase.

It is time to accept that Malta rushed to talk about ushering in an era of legal weed. This included a whole lot of internationally circulated propaganda about a pioneering Maltese common-sense, harm-reduction approach.

The broad, macro-level discussions being had at this roundtable show that regulators were nowhere near actually being ready.

This has already cost excited entrepreneurs their time, and money, and left those of us puffing our green and fluctuating happily along the enthusiast to addict spectrum with a lot of frustration.

Nothing a good joint won’t ease.

If only I could get my hands on one legally.

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