The Responsible Cannabis Use Authority (ARUC) in Malta has confirmed that it has issued the first two licenses to prospective cannabis associations. The licenses allow the associations to start building cultivation facilities, but do not allow cultivation to begin.
Associations can only start growing cannabis after an operating license has been granted following further inspections by the ARUC. Leonid McKay, Executive Chairman of the Authority: “The license in principle approves the proposed operational set-up. The operating license is issued when the associations have set up the cultivation facility and the ARUC confirms that it meets the requirements.”
Cannabis rules and sanctions
The next step for licensed associations is to issue a registration number giving them legal personality. Under the rules announced in March, clubs are required to maintain a register of members' personal information and must be 'not-for-profit' and pay their trustees at market rates set by the Voluntary Organizations Act.
Sales to minors or non-members are subject to fines of up to €10.000. Registration fees for cannabis clubs were reduced from the originally announced minimum annual fee of €8.750 to just €1.000 per year for small associations of up to 50 members. Associations with between 351 and 500 members pay an annual contribution of € 26.000. The law allows ARUC inspectors to conduct on-site inspections or audits. Associations that break the rules can face penalties ranging from warnings to having their license revoked.
Source: timesofmalta.com (EN)
