Why it matters:
This article highlights the case of Conray Azzopardi, who was caught with cannabis 15 years ago in Malta. Azzopardi’s case highlights the evolving landscape of cannabis laws and regulations in Malta and raises questions about the accessibility and availability of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes in the country.
What they are saying:
Conray Azzopardi was sentenced to one year in prison and fined €1,000 for possession with the intent to traffic drugs. However, after successfully completing a rehabilitation program and receiving recommendations from the Drug Offenders Rehabilitation Board and Caritas Malta, his one-year prison sentence was overturned, and he was instead given a two-year probation order.
The article also reveals the limitations and challenges regarding cannabis availability in Malta. Azzopardi’s attempt to apply for medical cannabis to treat undisclosed conditions was rejected, and the article quotes a lawyer pointing out that Malta currently does not have legal outlets to purchase cannabis, even though possession is legal.
The big picture:
Malta legalized medical cannabis in March 2018 and became the first country in the European Union to legalize recreational cannabis in October 2021. However, the article suggests that progress in implementing regulations and establishing legal outlets for cannabis sales has been slow.
The Malta Cannabis Authority released details on opening cannabis clubs, but stakeholders, including cannabis business owners, have criticized the process and called for more action to facilitate the establishment of associations and ensure the aims of social justice and addressing the illicit market are met.
What to watch:
Observers should monitor developments regarding the establishment of cannabis clubs and the implementation of regulations for non-medical cannabis cultivation and distribution licenses in Malta. The number of applications and associations operating in the country will indicate the effectiveness of the new regulations and the extent to which the needs of stakeholders are being addressed.
Observers should also track any updates or changes in Malta’s cannabis laws and availability, as well as how the government responds to calls for improved access and the concerns of cannabis business owners and advocates.
Take:
This article highlights the complex dynamics surrounding cannabis laws and regulations in Malta. While possession of cannabis is legal, the lack of legal outlets for purchase and the challenges faced by stakeholders in establishing associations raise questions about the accessibility and availability of cannabis in the country.
Malta still has work to do in implementing effective regulations that address social justice and the needs of cannabis users and businesses. Efforts should be focused on ensuring fair and equitable access to cannabis, as well as supporting the development of a legal cannabis market that can effectively compete with the illicit market.
