Cannabis Laws in Malta (2025 Update): What You Need to Know
Malta made history in 2021 by becoming the first EU country to legalise personal cannabis use for adults. Since then, the laws around cannabis both medical and recreational have continued to evolve, providing clearer options for patients, home-growers, and cannabis associations.
Whether you're managing chronic symptoms, curious about CBD, or considering growing your own cannabis plants, this guide from Cannabis Clinics Malta explains everything you need to know about cannabis laws in Malta as of 2025.
1. Medical Cannabis in Malta
Medical cannabis has been legally available in Malta since 2018, but it’s only prescribed under certain conditions. It is not considered a first-line treatment. Instead, it is recommended when:
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Other conventional medications have already been tried, and
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Cannabis is either already helping to manage symptoms or offers a last-line or natural option for coping with chronic issues.
When Is Medical Cannabis Prescribed?
Doctors may explore cannabis as a treatment when patients:
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Are dealing with chronic, persistent symptoms
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Have not responded well to standard medications or experienced side effects
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Are seeking a plant-based, complementary approach to symptom relief
This includes symptoms such as (This is just a suggestive list, discuss with your doctor for more information):
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Chronic pain
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Muscle spasticity (e.g., MS)
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Chemotherapy-related nausea
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Epilepsy
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Anxiety and insomnia (on a case-by-case basis)
How to Access Medical Cannabis in Malta
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Consult a licensed specialist (family doctors and GPs can prescribe it)
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Obtain approval from the Superintendent of Public Health
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Fill the prescription at a designated pharmacy
💡 Cannabis Clinics Malta offers help navigating the process, including referrals, consultations, and follow-up care.
2. Recreational Cannabis: What’s Legal in 2025?
In 2021, Malta legalised limited adult use of cannabis for personal purposes. Here's what the current law allows for adults aged 18 or older:
✅ Legal
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Possession of up to 7 grams of dried cannabis in public
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Growing up to 4 plants per household (not visible from public spaces)
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Storing up to 50 grams of dried cannabis at home
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Private consumption (e.g., in your home)
🚫 Still Illegal
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Public use or smoking
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Sharing, gifting, or selling cannabis (unless through a licensed association)
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Possession of more than 7 grams in public
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Driving under the influence of cannabis
Being caught with more than the legal limit can result in administrative fines or legal penalties.
3. Cannabis Associations in Malta
One of the most unique and forward-thinking aspects of Malta's cannabis law is the legal creation of non-profit cannabis associations.
What Are They?
Cannabis associations allow adult members to:
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Collectively grow cannabis plants
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Distribute cannabis in limited amounts to members
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Promote safe, transparent, and non-commercial access
These clubs must follow strict rules, including:
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No public advertising
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A cap on monthly distribution (e.g. 7g/day or 50g/month per member)
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Mandatory traceability and compliance
Associations operate under the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC), which oversees licences, inspections, and community education.
4. CBD and Wellness Products
CBD (cannabidiol) products are legal in Malta as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC. These products do not cause a “high” and are popular for general wellness.
CBD is commonly sold as:
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Oils and tinctures
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Capsules and supplements
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Topical creams and roll-ons
🔍 Look for lab-tested, EU-certified CBD products from trusted vendors like Cannabis Clinics Malta.
⚠️ Note: HHC and Synthetic Cannabinoids Are Banned
In 2024, Malta officially banned synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids, including HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol). These products are no longer legal for sale or possession even if labelled as hemp-derived.
5. Travelling With Cannabis: Know the Risks
✈️ Don’t travel with cannabis in or out of Malta.
Even if it’s for medical use, taking cannabis products across international borders without proper authorisation, such as with a Schengen Pass, is illegal. This applies to:
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Dried cannabis flower
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Cannabis oils
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CBD tinctures with trace THC
Always research the laws of your destination before flying, and avoid carrying cannabis in airports or on flights.
6. Penalties and Enforcement
Malta’s laws are designed to be rehabilitative, not punitive, but there are still consequences for breaking the rules:
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Over 7 grams in public: Civil fine or hearing before a tribunal
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Selling or gifting cannabis without authorisation: Criminal offence
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Driving under the influence: Treated with the same seriousness as alcohol
The safest option is to stay within legal limits, avoid public use, and access cannabis only through licensed avenues.
7. Looking Ahead: The Future of Cannabis in Malta
Malta continues to refine its cannabis framework with a focus on:
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Education and public health
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Harm reduction rather than punishment
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Continued development of cannabis associations
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Encouraging transparency, safety, and community participation
Organisations like ARUC and licensed clinics are at the forefront of this evolution supporting legal, safe, and informed cannabis use.
8. Summary: Know Your Rights & Stay Informed
Here’s a quick recap of what’s legal:
✅ Medical cannabis with specialist prescription
✅ Personal use: Up to 7g in public, 50g at home
✅ Home growing: Up to 4 plants
✅ Joining a cannabis association for private, non-profit use
✅ CBD products under 0.2% THC
🚫 No public smoking
🚫 No travelling with cannabis
🚫 No selling or gifting cannabis outside legal channels
Need Help or Have Questions?
At Cannabis Clinics Malta, we help patients and customers navigate Malta’s cannabis ecosystem with confidence.
📞 Book a consultation with our team
🛒 Browse our lab-tested CBD products
📚 Learn more through our blog and educational content
