1. Is medical cannabis legal in Malta?

Yes. Medical cannabis has been legal in Malta since 2018. Patients with a valid prescription from a licensed doctor can access THC and CBD products from approved pharmacies or clinics.

2. How do I get a medical cannabis prescription in Malta?

You must first consult your GP. If deemed appropriate, you’ll be referred to a doctor who specializes in cannabinoid therapy. The doctor then submits an application to the Superintendent of Public Health. Once approved, you can obtain cannabis from a licensed pharmacy.

3. What conditions qualify for medical cannabis treatment in Malta?

Cannabis may be prescribed for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, arthritis, and other cases where traditional treatments have failed. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

4. What cannabis products are available with a prescription?

Patients can access: THC oils and tinctures CBD oils Dried cannabis flower (for vaporization) Capsules or soft gels

5. How much cannabis can I be prescribed each month?

Patients can be prescribed up to 90 grams of cannabis per month, depending on their medical needs.

6. Can I smoke cannabis if I have a prescription?

Smoking is not encouraged. Doctors and regulators prefer patients to use dry herb vaporizers or consume cannabis orally (especially oils and capsules) to minimize health risks.

7. What is a CHRA (Cannabis Harm Reduction Association)?

A CHRA is a government-regulated, non-profit cannabis association in Malta that can cultivate and distribute cannabis to its registered members. These are closed-loop systems designed to reduce harm and provide safe access.

8. How do I join a cannabis association in Malta?

You must: Be a resident of Malta Be 18 years or older Apply directly with the association (some have waiting lists) Provide ID and proof of address

9. How many cannabis associations are active in Malta?

As of May 2025, eight CHRAs have been licensed to cultivate cannabis, with four to five actively providing products to members. New associations are expected to open throughout the year.

10. Can I join more than one CHRA at a time?

No. You can only be a member of one CHRA at a time, in line with Malta’s legal framework.

Comprehensive Guide to Accessing Medical Cannabis and Joining Associations in Malta (2025 Update)

by Thomas Grima

on May 26

Comprehensive Guide: Accessing Cannabis in Malta for Medical Use and Joining Associations - D Vape Store

🩺 Introduction: Medical Cannabis in Malta Today

Accessing medical cannabis in Malta has become more streamlined in recent years, with increased public awareness, regulatory developments, and the emergence of licensed Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations (CHRAs). Whether you're exploring cannabis for medical use or looking to join a local cannabis association, this guide breaks down everything you need to know, from eligibility and legal access to joining a licensed CHRA.

⚖️ Understanding the Legal Framework (2025 Update)

Malta legalized medical cannabis in 2018, marking a progressive shift in health policy and drug reform. The Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Research Purposes Act allows licensed entities to cultivate, import, and distribute cannabis for medical and research use.

At the same time, the amendment of the Drug Dependence (Treatment not Imprisonment) Act reframed drug dependency as a public health issue rather than a criminal offense. This laid the foundation for patient-first cannabis access, treating therapeutic use with dignity and care.

Under current law, only patients with a valid medical prescription can access Pharmacy cannabis products containing THC. Resident can join local Cannabis associations and get legal access to THC products. Products like CBD oils and non-psychoactive topicals are legally available over the counter.

📝 How to Access Medical Cannabis in Malta

Getting access to pharmacy grade cannabis in Malta is a step-by-step process, often requiring prior experience with conventional treatment. Here’s how it works:

modern infographic-style illustration showing the process of accessing medical cannabis in Malta

✅ Step 1: Speak with Your GP

Start by discussing your condition with your general practitioner. If cannabis is a potential option, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in cannabinoid therapy.

✅ Step 2: Medical Evaluation

The doctor will assess your case and, if appropriate, fill in an application to the Superintendent of Public Health via the Malta Medicines Authority.

✅ Step 3: Approval & Documentation

You’ll need:

A Maltese ID card
A Drug Control Card
Approval from the Superintendent of Public Health

Most patients must demonstrate that conventional treatments have failed. However, patients who have been self-treating with cannabis and have documented success may also be approved on a case-by-case basis.

✅ Step 4: Fill Your Prescription

Once approved, you can access cannabis via a licensed pharmacy or dispensing clinic. Available products include:

THC oils
CBD oils
Dried cannabis flower (for vaporization)
Capsules and tinctures

⏳ The process typically takes up to 3 weeks from application to approval. Prescriptions are reviewed and renewed every 6 to 12 months, depending on the case.

💡 Important Guidelines for Cannabis Use

Patients can be prescribed up to 90 grams per month
Preferred consumption methods: oral ingestion or dry herb vaporization (smoking is not advised)
Always store and transport cannabis responsibly
Keep documentation on hand, especially when carrying cannabis in public or when traveling locally

🌱 Joining a Cannabis Association in Malta (CHRA Membership)

Following Malta’s landmark 2021 cannabis reform, Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations (CHRAs) were introduced to allow adults to access cannabis in a non-commercial, controlled environment.

These government-licensed, non-profit associations can:

Cultivate cannabis for their members
Distribute cannabis in a closed-loop, transparent system
Educate about safe consumption and harm reduction

📋 Membership Criteria

Must be 18+ and a resident of Malta
Associations are capped at 500 members (some limited to 100 or 250)
Members may only join one CHRA at a time

🔑 How to Join

Submit an application directly to the CHRA of your choice
Provide valid ID and proof of residence
Some CHRAs may have waitlists due to limited space and high demand
As of May 2025, 8 associations have been approved for cultivation, and 4–5 are actively distributing cannabis to members

🕒 Tip: Register your interest early, as new associations fill up quickly. Stay connected with advocacy platforms and legal updates to know when new memberships open.

🙌 Summary: Your Cannabis Access Path in Malta

Action	Details
Medical Cannabis	Available by prescription via certified doctors
ID Requirements	Maltese ID + Drug Control Card
Products Available	THC oils, CBD tinctures, dried flower
Association Membership (CHRA)	One per person, capped at 500 members, safe & legal access point
Application Timeframe	2–3 weeks for medical approval; varies for CHRA membership

📚 Further Resources

Malta Medicines Authority – Official regulatory body
ReLeaf Malta – Cannabis reform advocacy and community updates
Project CBD – Global resource on CBD science and therapeutic use
Cannabis Clinics Malta – FAQ – Contact us direct for answers to common questions about prescriptions and products

🤝 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re managing a medical condition or seeking community access through a CHRA, Malta now offers more legal, structured, and human-centered options than ever before. Stay informed, speak openly with healthcare professionals, and consider joining an association that aligns with your values.

For further help, visit Cannabis Clinics Malta or contact us directly—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.