Seven applications by associations who wish to acquire a licence to cultivate and distribute cannabis have been submitted to the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) since 28 February, with 11 names reserved for the associations, and several others preparing their applications, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg said Thursday.

In a press briefing, Buttigieg as well as Chairman of the ARUC, gave further details on the changes made to the regulatory framework of the authority, upon listening to feedback from applicants.

Buttigieg also said that Malta will serve as leaders in the sector, as it will have meetings with foreign countries who want to implement the same flexible regulatory framework for the use of cannabis in Malta.

“The process is moving along very well,” Buttigieg said, adding that there is interest, and feedback from prospective founders is positive, which led to some changes on certain technical standards and the process of licensing implemented by the Authority.

McKay said that the authority has built up an extensive team, one of which will be responsible for the licensing of cannabis association, as well as another person who heads the compliance and enforcement department, putting emphasis on the human resources in the authority.

He continued that the authority will work regularly with interested NGOs, banks, laboratories or other authorities for an efficient licensing process.

McKay said that associations practise different cultivation practices, will be comprised of both indoor and outdoor sites, will have cannabis plants of different profiles.

The associations made up of 51 to 250 members, with the majority of them wishing to have around 100 to 150 members, he said.

Feedback by associations showed that prospective associations were finding it difficult to secure a prospective hold over the chosen properties, as the application stipulated that all documents must be submitted with the application.

The application format was modified to allow prospective associations to adopt a modular approach through the application process, providing certain documents along the way.

The Authority has also stipulated that transportation of cannabis products was to be done through ADR-certified individuals, issued by Transport Malta.

McKay said that now, certification is to be obtained by the ARUC. The certification will be that required for transportation of dangerous goods, as no certification for the transport of cannabis is currently available.

Transportation must not be done at night to avoid potential risks, the vehicle must be temperature controlled, that there is tracking, as well as logs. The vehicle must also be enclosed, and the cannabis product must be in sealed containers, inside a safe.

Transportation between cultivation and distribution sites of the association must also occur without any stops enroute, or undue delay.

On testing, McKay said that testing in general could not be reduced to ascertain the quality of the product, ensuring that products from the illicit market would not be mixed with the quality product. The frequency and modality of the testing will be done periodically.

The authority will also be absorbing some costs of certain testing, such as of harmful and biological contaminants, upon receiving feedback of costs burdened by associations.

Associations will be responsible for testing for bacteria, yeast and mould, moisture content and analysis for foreign matter before the release of each batch.

McKay said that the Authority has also changed its method of waste disposal, which was stipulated that the waste must be incinerated in an approved landfill.

Feedback by associations showed concern for substantial costs and adverse environmental impacts, which prompted the authority to allow associations to compost the waste in a sealed container within the cultivation site, to be used as nutrients for its operations.

Regulations which have not changed is that administrators must have resided in Malta for the last five years and be of good conduct, McKay emphasized. These can be elected democratically among members.

The administration of cannabis will also be a community approach, allowing only local residents to become members.

The associations are still to operate on a non-for-profit basis and will carry out the entire operation from seed to distribution. Sites cannot be located within 250 metres from schools and youth centres.

The associations must also submit regularly audited accounts and financial reports. No other operations besides the cultivation and distribution of cannabis are to take place on the premises.

The authority also stipulated that cannabis with a THC content exceeding 18% may not be sold to individuals aged 18 to 21.

McKay also said that if it is shown that an association needs to open another premise to reach its members, then it will be allowed to do so if needed.