The Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) has welcomed plans for the introduction of random roadside alcohol and drug testing, describing it as an important step towards more responsibility and safety on Malta's roads.

The Malta Independent sent questions to the Executive Chairperson for ARUC Joey Reno Vella, after NGO ReLeaf opposed the government's decision to introduce random roadside alcohol and drug testing to improve safety in the country's roads.

The NGO argued that cannabis, for example, can remain in one's system for hours, "without causing impairment."

The authority was asked if it had been consulted by the government before it announced random roadside drug testing, considering the challenges posed by cannabis use and detection. He was also asked if he believed that the proposed testing measures risk unfairly penalising responsible cannabis users, and if ARUC had raised this with policymakers.

"The ARUC welcomes the Government's and respective Ministries' commitment to introduce random roadside alcohol and drug testing, recognising it as an important step towards ensuring greater responsibility and safety on our roads," Vella said.

He continued that ARUC convened a meeting way back in April with the Malta Road Safety Council, the Police Executive, Transport Malta and other relevant stakeholders to enquire about ongoing efforts and provide the necessary impetus on this matter.

"Throughout these discussions, ARUC has provided its feedback when requested," he said.

Vella was asked how Malta should balance the legitimate public interest of safer roads with the rights of responsible cannabis users who may face penalties despite not being impaired, and if it will be his responsibility to push for impairment-based testing rather than simple presence-based testing. "We remain mindful of the technical challenges involved in testing for substances such as cannabis, particularly when distinguishing impairment from presence," Vella said.

He said that ARUC will continue to offer its support and collaboration to ensure that the balance between road safety and the rights of responsible users is safeguarded in the best possible manner.