Source Lovin’ Malta
The Maltese government is proposing a series of changes to the country’s cannabis laws in a bid to tighten enforcement, clear up legal definitions, and provide more clarity for everyone involved—from regulators to cannabis associations.
Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg announced the proposed amendments during the second reading of the reform bill in Parliament, reaffirming the government’s aim to reduce harm and strengthen regulation through responsible use.
One of the biggest changes on the table would see offences committed by cannabis associations handled by the Magistrates’ Court instead of the Commissioner for Justice tribunal.
This move reflects the seriousness of such offences. Crucially, individual cannabis users won’t be impacted by this shift.
The bill also seeks to clarify what actually counts as cannabis under Maltese law. The legal definition will now explicitly include both THC and CBD, while non-psychoactive cannabinoids with less than 0.2% THC will be excluded.
This clarification is intended to prevent synthetic or semi-synthetic substances—like HHC—from slipping through the cracks and entering the market.
Meanwhile, the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) is expected to gain broader enforcement powers. The new legislation would allow ARUC to take a stronger role in both regulating the sector and advising the Minister on new or emerging substances.
Cannabis associations will also be facing tighter regulations. New rules would require a minimum distance of 250 metres from schools, sports facilities, and youth centres. Any association found allowing minors on-site could face a fine of up to €10,000.
While the opposition Nationalist Party has welcomed stricter enforcement, it didn’t hold back criticism of the original law, arguing that the rollout was rushed and poorly thought out from the start.
Malta Moves To Tighten Recreational Cannabis Laws With New Amendments
