The Malta Medicines Authority has issued the first ever Maltese licence for the local production of medical cannabis products.

The licence was issued to Canadian company Aphria, a global leader in the sector.

The first products to be manufactured, packed and tested by the company will be in dried flower form. The plants will be cultivated in Canada.

The Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Ministry said this is an important milestone for Malta to start exporting high-quality medicinal cannabis products. These products will compete againast others on the global market.  

The licence was issued after a rigorous due diligence process by the medicines authority and Malta Enterprise, the government said. The authority carries out inspections both at the local facility and also at the Canadian one. This is to certify that procedures are carried out according to the EU’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

Consumer Rights Parliamentary Secretary Deo Debattista said the licensing process lasted around two years and will guarantee a high quality product.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said the government is looking at this development from two aspects: economic growth and job creation, and ensuring that locally manufactured products are of the highest standards.

The medicines authority is in the process of licensing other companies in the sector.

 

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