Malta’s Responsible Cannabis Use Authority (CURA) has issued three new licenses to Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations (CHRAs). With a total of five Cannabis Clubs now approved, Sprawt, Northern Lights and NEGE join KDD Society and Ta’ Zelli licensed in early November.
According to Maltese rules governing Cannabis Clubs, only associations listed on the CURA website can cultivate and distribute cannabis to their members. Membership is limited to residents of Malta aged over 18; a copy of the identity card must be provided to the association as proof of age and address.
RDR Training for Cannabis Clubs
CURA also announced the first risk reduction training for licensed CHRAs and CHRAs in progress. The training, held on November 28 and 29, 2023, provided participants with a clear understanding of harm reduction practices and the essential role that CHRAs play in promoting responsible cannabis use.
Tom Decorte of Ghent University and Karen Mamo of CURA were among the speakers who delved into the historical and operational aspects of a risk and damage reduction approach as reported LovinMalta. Speakers highlighted the complex relationship between public health and the regulation of non-medical use of cannabis, emphasizing the need for tools and attention tailored to different social groups of cannabis users.
Drawing on international experiences in Belgium, Spain, the United States and Uruguay, the speakers highlighted the importance of maintaining the “social” aspect of ACHR as a protective factor against the potential risks associated with cannabis consumption.
Mr. Leonid McKay, President of CURA, spoke about the critical role ACHR will play in the coming months as active agents of positive change. He welcomed the commitment of Cannabis Clubs to promote risk and harm reduction approaches and to support CURA in evidence-based research protocols and education campaigns on responsible use cannabis.
The two-day program also addressed crucial operational aspects of ACHRs and the importance of data collection for research purposes, paving the way for informed decision-making and future advancements in cannabis regulation on the island of Malta.
