The Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) will start its first harm reduction training for advanced-stage applicants who will form a Cannabis Harm Reduction Association from November, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg announced.

Malta on Friday hosted its second ministerial conference to discuss legislation on responsible cannabis use.

Maltese legislation, along with regulatory frameworks for responsible cannabis use, was on the agenda of the second ministerial conference between five European countries that convened in Malta to discuss developments related to regulations and laws regarding the use of cannabis for non-medical or non-scientific purposes.

During the opening of the ministerial conference, attended by representatives from Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg spoke about how the Maltese government prioritizes public health aspects through legislation governing responsible cannabis use while addressing the negative consequences created by the criminalization of individuals using cannabis for personal purposes.

Buttigieg said that with legislation regulating responsible cannabis use and robust regulation by the ARUC, the health of those deciding to use it will be safeguarded.

“This is because they will have regulated access to cannabis and will be assured that the cannabis they use is not contaminated with substances that could harm health or lead to a loss of life quality,” Buttigieg said.

She explained the educational functions of the Associations for Responsible Cannabis Use, and announced that starting from November, the Authority will organize the first training on Harm Reduction for those associations that have reached an advanced stage of application to form a Cannabis Harm Reduction Association.

CEO of the ARUC Leonid Mckay spoke about the non-commercialized aspect that the Maltese regulatory framework values and emphasized the importance of licenses and regulatory frameworks working together in favor of public health and social justice.

Mckay also spoke about the importance of protecting the health of the most vulnerable, particularly preventing high THC consumption for those aged between 18 and 21.