Differing points of view.
Malta Today reports
Cannabis lobby Releaf insists allowing THC edibles to be sold at harm reduction associations would not go against European Union legislation.
“Edibles containing THC can’t be considered novel food since THC remains a controlled substance under international drug policy, but also because the EU has no competence to regulate national affairs related to drug policy,” the NGO said.
It was reacting to a MaltaToday interview with Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) head Joey Reno Vella.
During the interview Vella was asked why Malta is yet to allow cannabis edibles to be sold at cannabis associations, given it could be considered a safer way to consume the substance, as it would not be smoke to achieve the high.
He had said that edibles are considered a “novel food”, as before an edible is put on the market, it needs European Commission authorisation after consultation with the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
But Releaf has said this is not true, stating THC, the psychoactive substance of cannabis, is a controlled substance under international drug policy. “Therefore, allowing edibles within CHRAs and restricting tourism and export, the EU has no grounds to oppose.”
