Malta’s legal, regulated cannabis sector may finally be getting off the ground by early next year – if KDD Society’s Kenneth Ellul’s plans come to fruition.

As one of the two first organisations to be granted a cultivation and distribution license, KDD’s Ellul aims for the organisation to provide a “positive example for the responsible use of cannabis and pave the way for others who share our vision”.

“Receiving approval was an incredibly rewarding moment for us,” Ellul told Lovin Malta.

“It was a culmination of months of hard work and dedication to navigating the regulatory process. The approval validated our mission and affirmed that we were on the right path. It was a moment of excitement, relief, and renewed determination to make a positive impact in the realm of cannabis culture.”

With their approval in hand, Ellul and his team are now working hard to get everything set up for what could be a historic moment in just a few months.

“We’ve been diligently working on logistics to ensure that both our distribution and operational facilities are fully operational,” he pointed out.

“Currently, we’re in the process of cultivation. We’ve acquired the necessary permits, including the recently acquired operational permit, and begun planting.”

“Our goal is to have the distribution site fully operational by the first quarter of next year. In the meantime we are in contact with prospective members whom would be interested in joining our association upon distribution operations commence.”

Once set up, a maximum of 500 members can join his club, where they’ll be able to access a variety of cannabis strains with clear labelling of cannabinoids, THC/CBD content and harm reduction initiatives.

“We’re aiming to have our distribution site fully operational by the first quarter of next year,” Ellul said. “As we proceed with cultivation and testing, we’re excited to provide our members with safe and regulated cannabis flower.”

Ellul said one of the reasons he was so passionate in setting up this association was due to his personal benefits after using the plant to help with his ADHD.

“Having made use of cannabis to improve my well-being personally, and being passionate about horticulture, once the law has passed back in 2021 it was a no brainer for me and my colleagues to onboard on this venture and give it our all to achieve our dream jobs within the sector.”

He’s also keen on impacting the black market and providing educational materials and support resources to both new users as well as old timers.

“Individuals who are seeking to try cannabis for the first time or are active cannabis users no longer have to communicate with shady dealers or retailers offering untested, unregulated and modified cannabis alternatives which might contribute to unwanted health problems,” he said.

“We’re dedicated to responsible cannabis use, harm reduction, and creating a supportive community.”

With the club set to be up and running within a few months’ time, Ellul laid out what potential members need to keep in mind.

“Anyone joining an association will have to provide a valid residency identification document, be 18+ of age and prior the official onboarding a small interview will take place with the prospective member simply to make sure the individual is aligned with our policies and objectives.”