Malta to Legalize Hashish and Open Cannabis Consumption Venues

The Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) in Malta is planning to legalize the sale of hashish and allow the opening of venues for cannabis consumption.

Authorities Aim to Combat the Cannabis Black Market

ARUC Chairman Joey Vella stated that, according to recent studies, people joining cannabis clubs—legalized in Malta in 2021—are already experienced marijuana users. This means the number of clients for underground dealers is decreasing, as cannabis enthusiasts prefer licensed establishments. To encourage this trend, the agency plans to allow clubs to sell hashish. Currently, they are only permitted to sell marijuana.

Malta’s Cannabis Clubs

In an interview, Vella said, “Hashish is much more potent than marijuana, so we need to implement health protection mechanisms before making legislative changes. However, representatives of cannabis growers’ associations tell us that some club members prefer hashish over marijuana.”

Officials are also considering creating venues for cannabis consumption. At present, it is illegal to smoke marijuana in public places or on private property in the presence of minors. As a result, marijuana users with children sometimes have nowhere to consume cannabis, and neighbors occasionally complain about the smell. Public venues for cannabis use could solve these issues, so ARUC staff are exploring all possible options and will likely settle on cannabis cafés.

Hexahydrocannabinol Banned in Malta

However, Malta is also tightening its cannabis laws. In early October, the government banned the sale of products containing hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a THC derivative that occurs in small amounts in cannabis but is usually synthesized in laboratories. Like THC, HHC has psychoactive effects, but until recently, products containing this cannabinoid—such as cookies, gummies, and vape liquids—were openly sold in Malta.

HHC-Infused Marijuana in Czech Vending Machines

The Czech Republic is also moving to restrict HHC. On October 9, lawmakers passed a law allowing the sale of HHC products only in specialized stores to adults. If President Petr Pavel signs the bill, it will take effect on December 1. HHC came under scrutiny after several schoolchildren in Karlovy Vary were poisoned by HHC-infused candies in January 2024.