‘Pushed To The Black Market’: Malta Cannabis Community Addresses ‘Unfair’ Mismatch Between Supply And Demand
Malta Cannabis Community is advocating for an increase in the number of licensed cannabis clubs and the expansion of production capacities in existing establishments. This push aims to prevent individuals who have been unable to secure a spot at a Cannabis Club from resorting to the black market.
“As prospective members find themselves on waiting lists, the urgency for a solution becomes more apparent,” it stated.
For this reason, Malta Cannabis Community is urging “immediate action from both the government and the clubs themselves” to ensure that “the transition towards a regulated cannabis market does not inadvertently exclude those it aims to protect.”
The community also raised concerns about the current legislative framework regulating cannabis clubs. It argued that the current imbalance between supply and demand “raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the current system in deterring individuals from resorting to the unregulated market”.
Malta’s newly opened cannabis clubs have experienced an “unprecedented display of demand,” with all available spots being “filled within just two days of opening,” according to Malta Cannabis Community, describing this situation as “nothing short of unbelievable”.
Currently, there are seven cannabis clubs in Malta granted approval, three of which are fully operational and selling cannabis. Memberships in these clubs sold out even before cannabis sales commenced, with some still in the process of growing their first crops.
“This phenomenon has not only highlighted the immense popularity and acceptance of these clubs but has also raised pressing concerns about the accessibility of legal cannabis to the general public,” it said, adding that “with memberships maxed out before sales have even started,” questions arise about the fate of those who were unable to secure a spot.
“Are these individuals now inadvertently pushed towards the black market for their cannabis needs? How is that fair?” it continued.
“Due to the overwhelming demand and the need to ensure a sustainable supply, we had to implement a temporary onboarding halt until our first harvest cycle is complete. While we anticipate being able to accommodate more members in the future, we currently cannot guarantee immediate membership for all,” remarked a representative of one of Malta’s cannabis clubs.
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