The Independent – Malta writes
The Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis is not looking on imposing a capping to the number of the associations that could be set up, its head Joey Reno Vella said.
The reform is intended primarily for the user, so the authority believes that capping the number of licences issued would not work in the interest of the user, Vella said in an interview with this media house, the first part of which was carried yesterday.
Acknowledging that such questions arise, Vella said that the authority, up till now, has maintained that there will be no capping, and more associations would provide for more competitiveness, ensuring a better product, ultimately being the main aim of the reform.
The aim of the reform is to protect end-users who out of their own volition and consciousness, and voluntarily, decide to make use of cannabis, Vella said.
Vella also wanted to point out that the authority is, in no way, incentivising or promoting the use of cannabis.
“The authority has always been clear that the safest way to consume cannabis is not to consume at all,” he said.
He said that the reality is that a huge part of the population makes use of recreational cannabis. This cannot be ignored, and these citizens should be afforded a safe and legal route from which they can obtain cannabis.
“We cannot simply let them resort to the risks and perils associated with the illicit market, where the focus is definitely not on the user and their health, but rather on the personal greed and gains of the criminal organisations,” Vella said, adding that they also don’t provide a safe and quality-tested product.
Protocol and regulations
Vella was asked if there were any problems which arose from the recently-licensed associations, perhaps due to a breach in protocol or regulations.
“Whilst there were no major issues with regards to licensed associations, the authority, through its continuous monitoring and overseeing programme, noticed certain aspects within these associations that required minor interventions,” Vella said, where ARUC provided better guidance, and where necessary, instruct corrective mechanisms, to ensure full compliance with the spirits of the law.
He said such instances were with regards to methodologies of reconciliation, methods for waste disposal, submissions of statutory requirements, all minor issues.
Vella noted that all such interventions by the authority were met with compliance and adherence, showing that these associations understand the arching principles and aims of the reform, and are willing to uphold the best standards.
“This is something which I am very happy with, as there have been no major issues flagged, and any minor issues the authority flagged have been met with compliance, which is a very positive sign,” Vella said.
Continuity
Vella is the third Head to lead the authority in three years since its inception, succeeding previous ARUC heads Leonid Mckay and Mariella Dimech. In his profession as a lawyer, he had helped draft the law which established the authority, having also served as board secretary and later a member of the authority’s board of directors.
