Malta Cannabis Associations Permitted To Sell Concentrates Later This Year
Malta will forever hold the distinction of being the first European nation to adopt a national recreational cannabis legalization measure. Lawmakers in Malta approved adult-use legalization in 2021, permitting adults to cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis.
Before Malta approved legalization, the only other nations to do so previously were Uruguay in 2013 and Canada in 2018. A major component of Malta’s legalization model is permitting cultivation associations, sometimes referred to as clubs. Members can source cannabis legally through the associations.
So far, cultivation associations in Malta have only sold cannabis flower. However, starting later this year cannabis cultivation associations in Malta will also be able to sell certain concentrated cannabis products to their members.
“Malta’s cannabis associations will be allowed to sell cannabis resin and rosin, the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) Executive Chairperson Joey Reno Vella confirmed to MaltaToday.” reported MaltaToday in its local coverage.
“ARUC is in the process of updating its Directives to permit the distribution of cannabis resin (hash) and similar processed products, such as rosin, through licensed CHRAs. However, it is imperative to highlight that only solvent-free, non-chemical extraction processes will be authorised. The use of solvents and/or chemical agents for the production of cannabis derivatives remains strictly prohibited. Additionally, the conversion of cannabis into oils and tinctures will not be permitted under these amendments,” Joey Reno Vella said according to the media outlet.
Cannabis concentrates, sometimes referred to as cannabis extracts, are very popular among adult cannabis consumers and medical cannabis patients. According to Coherent Market Insights, the global cannabis extract market “is expected to reach USD 38.13 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.4% from 2024 to 2031.”
In other recent cannabis news out of Malta, the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis signed an agreement with the University of Malta to conduct cannabis-based research.
“The authority and the university’s chemistry department plan to study pesticides and “substances” found in legal and illegal cannabis by next October, with legal samples from cannabis associations and illegal samples held by the courts due to be tested.” reported Times of Malta.
“The tests aim to scientifically demonstrate how the dangers of controlled – legally grown – cannabis and illegal offerings vary, Reforms Junior Minister Rebecca Buttigieg said.” the local media outlet also reported.
