Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Chris Cardona presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Malta Enterprise and McGill University. 

The Memorandum of Understanding aims to establish closer research collaboration between Malta Enterprise and McGill University in the field of medical cannabis.

Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Chris Cardona emphasised that research in medical cannabis has always been at the top of the agenda for this government and this collaboration comes at a crucial time for the industry. “Since the medical cannabis industry in Malta is still relatively young, now is the perfect time for us to collaborate with prestigious universities like McGill which already have a well-established Research Centre for Cannabis,” stated Minister Cardona. 

This partnership will facilitate collaboration on different elements with McGill University including the exchange of students and collaboration in research activities in the field of medical cannabis. The agreement will also help Malta Enterprise bridge the skills gap in the pharmaceutical industry by offering top-up courses to existing professionals in the industry.   

In his remarks, Minister Cardona stated: “I am confident that this international partnership will not only diversify and grow our existing industry, but it will also drive a new wave of world-class developments in medical cannabis research.”

The agreement was signed between Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia and McGill University, represented by Professor Carolyn J. Baglole. The highly reputable university has a nearly 200-year history and is recognised as a top Canadian university for quality research.