Navigating Malta’s Cannabis Laws: A User’s Guide

Navigating Malta’s Cannabis Laws

Malta partially decriminalised certain adult personal-use cannabis activities. This does not create unrestricted retail sale or public consumption. Start here for an overview, then consult our detailed Malta cannabis law guide and the official sources for your circumstances.

Is Cannabis Legal in Malta?

The answer depends on the activity, quantity and circumstances. ARUC describes the framework as partial decriminalisation. Personal possession, cultivation, association distribution and medicinal access have separate requirements.

Key Points to Know

✅ Possession

• Adults may possess up to 7 grams for personal use without committing an offence under the relevant provision; suspected trafficking or dealing is a separate matter.

• For more than 7 grams and up to 28 grams in personal-use circumstances, the law provides a €50–€100 penalty through the Commissioner for Justice.

• Possession over 28 grams can still lead to criminal prosecution.

✅ Cultivation

• The adult personal-cultivation provision allows up to 4 cannabis plants per residential address shown on an official identity or residence document, not four per resident.

• Plants must not be visible to the public or visible or accessible to minors, and their odour must not cause nuisance to others.

• The same provision sets a limit of 50 grams of dried cannabis for personal use at that address.

✅ Consumption

• Smoking cannabis in public places is not allowed.

• Association premises are not consumption lounges: ARUC prohibits cannabis and alcohol consumption on site. Private settings also remain subject to rules on minors and odour nuisance.

✅ Cannabis Associations

• Cannabis can be distributed legally through non-profit cannabis associations, which must be registered and regulated.

• These organizations are allowed to grow cannabis and distribute it to registered adult members in limited amounts.

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What About Medical Cannabis?

Malta also permits the use of medical cannabis via prescription. Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain cannabis-based medicines from licensed pharmacies, prescribed by registered doctors. However, medical cannabis is treated separately from recreational use and follows its own regulatory pathway.

What’s Still Illegal?

• Unauthorised selling or sharing of controlled cannabis. Being an association member or holding a prescription does not permit supplying other people.

• Consuming cannabis in public or near minors.

• Driving under the influence of cannabis.

• Cultivating more than four plants or selling your home-grown cannabis.

Staying Compliant

Check Chapter 537, especially Articles 4A and 7, and current ARUC guidance. Personal possession and home cultivation do not authorise gifting or selling cannabis to another person.

Final Thoughts

Malta's progressive cannabis laws are a step forward in embracing personal freedom and harm reduction, but they also come with important boundaries. Check the current rules before acting; this summary is general information and cannot determine an individual legal situation.