Help & FAQs

Membership is open to individuals aged 18 and over who reside in Malta. You must provide a valid Maltese ID card to confirm your age and residency.

For the most accurate and up-to-date details, visit the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) website. They cover everything from legal regulations to membership guidelines for cannabis associations.

Current rules allow association members to carry up to 7 grams in public and store up to 50 grams at home.

Yes. Maltese residents are permitted to cultivate up to four cannabis plants on private property, out of public view. Any cannabis grown is strictly for personal use and cannot be sold.

No. Consuming cannabis in public places remains prohibited. This includes smoking in parks, streets or any shared public space. You can only consume cannabis in private residences.

Possession exceeding the legal limit (7g in public or 50g at home) can lead to administrative penalties for smaller amounts or criminal charges for larger quantities. The exact penalties depend on the amount in possession and other circumstances.

To join a cannabis association, you need to:

1. Visit the association in person
2. Provide valid identification proving you're over 18 and a resident of Malta
3. Complete the association's membership application
4. Pay any applicable membership fees

Note that each association can only have a maximum of 500 members, so some may have waiting lists.

Yes, you can travel with cannabis within Malta as long as you carry no more than the legal limit of 7 grams. The cannabis should be stored in a way that isn't easily accessible while traveling and shouldn't be consumed in any public space, including in vehicles.

Absolutely not. It is illegal to transport cannabis across international borders, regardless of the legal status in the destination country. Doing so could result in serious criminal charges both in Malta and in the destination country.

Research suggests that Medical Cannabis may help with a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, nausea from chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis symptoms, epilepsy and anxiety. (For more information concerning eligibility, visit our Learn how to apply for Medical Cannabis page.)

Medical cannabis refers to using cannabis plants or extracts to manage various health conditions. It contains cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which can offer therapeutic benefits.

All cannabinoid products containing CBD, CBG and CBN with <0.2% THC are available over-the-counter without a prescription from many outlets around Malta and Gozo.

To get a prescription for medical cannabis:

1. Consult with a registered doctor in Malta who is knowledgeable about medical cannabis
2. Discuss your medical condition and whether medical cannabis might be appropriate
3. If the doctor agrees it's suitable for your condition, they can issue a prescription
4. The prescription can be filled at pharmacies that dispense medical cannabis

It's important to note that not all doctors in Malta are comfortable prescribing medical cannabis, so you may need to find a specialist who is familiar with cannabis treatments.

Currently, most health insurance providers in Malta do not cover medical cannabis prescriptions. Patients typically need to pay out-of-pocket for these medications. However, insurance policies vary, so it's worth checking with your specific provider.

Medical cannabis is prescribed by healthcare professionals for specific health conditions and is often subject to quality control standards. Recreational cannabis refers to cannabis used for enjoyment without medical necessity. In Malta, medical cannabis is distributed through pharmacies with a prescription, while personal use cannabis is accessed through registered associations or home cultivation.

Cannabis associations (also called Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations or CHRAs) are non-profit organizations authorized to cultivate and distribute cannabis to their members. They operate under strict regulations overseen by the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) and are designed to provide a safe, legal way for adults to access cannabis while reducing the harms associated with the illicit market.

You can only be a member of one cannabis association at a time in Malta. This restriction is in place to prevent individuals from exceeding the legal personal possession limits by obtaining cannabis from multiple sources.

To join a cannabis association, you'll need:

• A valid Maltese ID card or residence card
• Proof of address in Malta
• Completed membership application form (provided by the association)

Some associations may have additional requirements, so it's best to check with your chosen association before visiting.

If you choose to grow cannabis at home in Malta, you must follow these rules:

• Maximum of 4 plants per household (not per person)
• Plants must not be visible to the public or from public spaces
• Cannabis grown is strictly for personal use and cannot be sold or shared
• Total possession at home cannot exceed 50 grams of dried cannabis
• If minors live in the household, extra care must be taken to ensure they cannot access the plants

The basic equipment for home cultivation includes:

• Cannabis seeds (obtained legally through associations)
• Growing medium (soil or hydroponic setup)
• Proper containers with drainage
• Adequate lighting (natural sunlight or grow lights)
• Ventilation system
• Watering system
• Nutrients specific to cannabis plants
• pH testing kit

The complexity of your setup can vary based on your space and budget. For more detailed guidance, check our Cannabis Growing Guide.

For optimal freshness and potency, store your cannabis:

• In airtight glass containers (avoid plastic which can create static)
• In a cool, dark place (60-70°F or 15-21°C)
• Away from direct sunlight, which degrades cannabinoids
• At proper humidity levels (58-62% is ideal)
• Away from children and pets, preferably in a locked container

Properly stored cannabis can maintain its quality for 6-12 months.

No. Under Maltese law, sharing or giving cannabis to others, even for free, is considered distribution and remains illegal. Each adult must obtain their own cannabis either through registered associations or by growing their own plants within the legal limits.