Is Weed Legal in Malta?

Is Weed Legal in Malta?

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the cannabis scene in Malta as of September 2023.

Malta: Europe’s Cannabis Trailblazer

Yes, you heard it right – cannabis is fully legal in Malta, both for medical and recreational use. Malta took the lead as the first European Union (EU) country to legalize recreational cannabis. And the ripple effect is undeniable, as neighboring countries like Italy and Greece are now engaged in promising discussions about their own cannabis legalization journeys.

Discovering Malta: The Island Gem of the Mediterranean

Nestled between Sicily and Libya, Malta is a true Mediterranean gem. Despite being one of the world’s smallest countries in terms of landmass and boasting a population of less than a million, Malta is a place where tourists often outnumber residents. This underscores the island’s remarkable scenic beauty. Malta is renowned for its rich historical heritage, featuring megalithic temples, formidable fortresses, and ancient burial chambers.

A Prescription for Relief: Medical Cannabis in Malta

Since 2018, Malta has been a beacon of hope for patients seeking relief through medical cannabis. Initially, the nation sanctioned the use of synthetic cannabinoids like Sativex for spasticity treatment. However, in 2018, the government expanded the medical cannabis program to encompass chronic pain, spasticity, and chemotherapy-related side effects. To access medical cannabis, patients require a prescription from a medical doctor, with pharmacists responsible for dispensing it.

Hemp and CBD: All Systems Go

Hemp finds a comfortable home in Malta, aligning with EU regulations that stipulate hemp should not exceed 0.3% THC. Similarly, hemp-derived CBD enjoys legal status in Malta, with CBD stores easily found in Valletta and neighboring towns. Being part of the EU, Malta adheres to EU hemp laws that support unrestricted cross-border CBD trade.

Recreational Bliss in Malta

Recreational cannabis enthusiasts, rejoice! Malta took the plunge and legalized recreational cannabis at the end of 2021. In December of that year, the Maltese parliament passed the “Authority on the Responsible Use of Cannabis” Bill with a vote of 36 in favor and 27 against.

While Malta doesn’t have recreational dispensaries, it does have cannabis social clubs. Each club can have up to 500 members, supporting them in growing their own cannabis at home. Members can acquire up to 20 cannabis seeds per month and enjoy a daily limit of 7 grams, with a maximum monthly cap of 50 grams. However, public consumption remains off-limits.

Malta’s forward-thinking President, George Vella, signed the bill into law, despite opposing calls for him to do otherwise.

Navigating Cannabis Penalties

Malta maintains a relatively lenient stance on cannabis penalties. For instance, possession of more than 7 grams of cannabis in public incurs a fine ranging from €50 to €100. Juvenile offenders, on the other hand, are placed in a government-run “care plan” designed to prevent youth drug abuse.

Growing Green at Home

If you’re an adult over 18 in Malta, you can cultivate up to four cannabis plants per household. Cannabis seeds are readily available through cannabis social clubs that welcome new members.

Malta: Europe’s Cannabis Oasis

Malta holds the distinction of being the first EU country to fully embrace cannabis legalization. However, securing high-quality legal weed as a visitor might prove challenging, as recreational dispensaries are absent. The primary avenue for legal cannabis acquisition is through social club memberships, capped at 50 grams per month. Nevertheless, Malta’s illicit cannabis market thrives, offering an alternative for those seeking quality cannabis experiences.

So is Weed Legal in Malta? Yes it most certainly is!