26 potential cannabis clubs in Malta have requested a license to sell their own weed, but none have been granted it yet.

“Let me make this clear. Just because we have 26 applications, it does not mean we will be granting 26 licenses. There will be a rigorous vetting process,” Leonid McKay who heads the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis, said on Thursday.

Cannabis was legalised in December 2021, however, the only way to purchase marijuana legally is only through cannabis clubs – which technically do not exist yet.

This means that you can legally have weed, but you can’t buy it…

Clubs which apply for the license to grow cannabis must be non-profit and have to grow all the weed in Malta (not imported).

They are forbidden from using the word ‘cannabis’ or encouraging the use of it in any of their advertising, and packaging must discourage its use.

They must pay a registration fee of €1,000 and the license fee starts at €8,750 for the first 50 members. Anyone over 18 can join the clubs. However, one individual can only join one club.

McKay reiterated that the safest way to use cannabis is to not use it at all. 

“Instead of saying ‘no’, we are giving information on what can cause harm and how to reduce risks. But if a person chooses to consume cannabis it is important to be aware of risks and use it responsibly.”

Based on the 2022 European Drug Report, cannabis continues to be the most commonly used illicit substance, with potential risks to both physical and mental health when used over an extended period.

Guidelines include:

• Cannabis use should be delayed to late adolescence;
• People who use cannabis should use low-potency products;
• Avoid frequent or intensive use of cannabis;
• Access legal products that are quality controlled;
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone seeking to have a child, should avoid use;
• Avoid taking cannabis with other substances including tobacco.

Do you think it’s ridiculous that cannabis clubs haven’t been set up yet after two years of weed being legal?