‘We Want To Educate Weed Users, Not Punish Them’: ARUC Head On Smell Fines
Cannabis Authority (ARUC) head Joey Reno Vella told Lovin Malta that the new law against cannabis odour nuisances at home, which includes potential €235 fines, is to educate users rather than punish them.
After the announcement was met with a barrage of criticism from cannabis users, Vella insisted that no one who uses the plant “responsibly” has any reason to complain about it.
“We had to act after receiving several complaints, as well as photos of their neighbours smoking in the balcony,” he insisted.
It will work as follows. If someone files a complaint about cannabis odour to ARUC or the police – who often forward them to ARUC anyway – the authority will mail a leaflet to that person, informing them about the law and measures they can take to combat the odour, such as filtration and ventilation systems.
People will be able to contact ARUC if they need more information.
If complaints persist, ARUC will maintain the right to enforce the law, including by sending officials on site to verify the smells. Administrative fines will be issued if they believe cannabis users are breaking the law.
However, Vella stressed that ARUC is viewing fines as a “last-ditch resort”.
“This isn’t a money-making scheme and people won’t suddenly find police behind their doors. We just want to educate people to be more responsible.”
Vella argued that the right to the enjoyment of one’s own property is a qualified right, and not an absolute one, as people aren’t allowed to impinge on the rights of other people.
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