Welcome to our comprehensive guide on accessing cannabis in Malta for medical purposes and joining relevant associations, known as Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations or CHRA for short. If you're looking to explore the world of medical cannabis in Malta, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know, from the legal landscape to how to obtain medical cannabis and how to get involved with local associations advocating for cannabis rights.
Understanding the Legal Landscape
Before diving into the process of accessing medical cannabis in Malta, it's crucial to understand the legal framework surrounding its use. In Malta, medical cannabis was legalized in 2018, allowing patients to access cannabis-based medications with a prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. The legislation also established the framework for the cultivation, importation, and distribution of medical cannabis products.
In 2018 Malta enacted the Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Research Purposes Act which provides the legislative measures to permit the production of cannabis for medicinal and research purposes. This law followed the amendment of the Drug Dependence Act with respect to prescribing of medicinal preparations of cannabis. While the Drug Dependence act also called the Treatment not imprisonment act, marked a pivotal shift in Malta’s legal framework. Moving to treat drug dependency issues as a psychiatric or mental health issue that should not warrant imprisonment but instead eligible candidates will be placed in a treatment programme focused on tackling their addictions. Upon successful completion of the treatment programme, the accused will avoid any prison time for their drug related offences.
Obtaining Medical Cannabis
The process of obtaining medical cannabis in Malta begins with a consultation with a qualified medical professional. If your healthcare provider determines that medical cannabis is a suitable treatment option for your condition, they can request patient access to medical-grade cannabis products. This requires a Maltese ID card and a Drug Control card. The Malta Medicines Authority evaluates each application form on a case-by-case basis. In most instances, patients are required to have exhausted all available treatment options for their condition before opting for medical cannabis. However, patients who have previously self-treated their condition using cannabis have often found success in accessing medical cannabis. Each patient’s circumstances are assessed on a one to one basis.
It's crucial to collaborate closely with your healthcare team to ensure the safe and effective use of medical cannabis as part of your treatment plan.
Once you have a prescription, you can obtain medical cannabis products from licensed pharmacies or directly from licensed producers. These products may include oils, capsules, and other formulations tailored to your specific needs.
To Summarize:
Patients should have exhausted all available treatment options for their condition. In some cases, patients who have successfully self-treated with cannabis may also be eligible on a case-by-case basis.
Patients must discuss their options with their local doctor. They will typically be referred to a doctor with a special interest in medical cannabis.
The doctor will complete an application permit to send to Public Health for approval. Once approved, patients can access medical cannabis in the form of dried flowers or oils from their local pharmacy. The application process may take up to three weeks to be processed.
The application needs to be renewed every six months, in some cases annually.
Patients are encouraged to use a dry herb vaporizer or consume the product orally, especially when using THC oils.
Patients can be prescribed up to 90 grams monthly.
Joining Associations
In addition to accessing medical cannabis, many individuals in Malta choose to get involved with local CHRA associations advocating for cannabis rights and education. These associations are essentially government approved closed door clubs, where residents of Malta can access cannabis flowers in a safe and regulated environment. They are capped at 500 members, however some licesnse are for less members such as 100 or 250 members.
Joining an association can be a little challenging for the time being. With an estimated 20,000 or more cannabis users in Malta. The first CHRA’s filled their memberships quote within days of opening. At the time of writing this article there are 8 associations who have been given approval to cultivate and of these 8 only around 4 or 5 of them have started to provide cannabis flowers to their customers. Therefore, it is necessary to record your interest with the CHRA you are interested in joining at the earliest date possible. Otherwise you may have to join a waiting list and wait for current members to leave before giving the chance to join.
Conclusion
Accessing cannabis for medical use and joining associations in Malta is a journey that requires knowledge, support, and advocacy. By understanding the legal landscape, working closely with healthcare professionals, and getting involved with local associations, you can navigate this journey with confidence and contribute to the ongoing progress of medical cannabis in Malta.
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights and resources to support your journey. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about accessing medical cannabis in Malta, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you every step of the way.
