Learn How to Apply for Medical Cannabis

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

Medical cannabis in Malta can be prescribed for various conditions where traditional treatments have been ineffective or unsuitable. Common qualifying conditions include:

  • Chronic Pain (e.g., arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain)
  • Anxiety Disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety, social anxiety)
  • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression (in cases where other treatments are ineffective)
  • Insomnia or Sleep Disorders
  • Epilepsy (especially treatment-resistant forms)
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (to alleviate muscle spasticity and pain)
  • Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea or Vomiting
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
  • Neurological Disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease)
  • Glaucoma
  • Cancer-Related Pain or Treatment Side Effects
  • Tourette Syndrome
  • Endometriosis or Severe Menstrual Pain

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Consult with a medical professional to determine if your condition qualifies.

Self-Assessment Tool: To determine your eligibility, consider completing The Pain Clinic's online questionnaire. This form allows you to assess whether medical cannabis is a suitable option for your condition. Access the eligibility form here.

2. Schedule an Initial Consultation with a Specialist Doctor

  • Authorized Clinics: Book an appointment with a doctor authorized to prescribe medical cannabis. Notable clinics in Malta include:

    • The Pain Clinic
    • Cannabis Clinics Malta

  • Consultation Details: During the approximately one-hour assessment:

    • Your medical history and previous treatments will be thoroughly reviewed.
    • If deemed appropriate, the doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis for your condition.

3. Sign a Treatment Agreement

  • Responsible Use: You'll enter into a treatment agreement with the doctor, committing to:
    • Use the prescribed medical cannabis responsibly.
    • Adhere to the prescribed dosage and guidelines.

4. Application to the Superintendent of Public Health

  • Submission Process: The doctor will submit an application on your behalf to the Superintendent of Public Health seeking approval for medical cannabis use.
  • Processing Time: Approval typically takes about 2-3 weeks.

5. Initial Prescription and Education Session

  • Post-Approval Appointment: Once approved:
    • Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
    • The doctor will provide detailed instructions on administering the medical cannabis.
    • You'll receive an initial prescription valid for 30 days.

6. Obtain a Control Card for Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances

  • Application Process: Your doctor will guide you through applying for this control card, which is mandatory for medical cannabis patients in Malta.

7. Follow-Up and Extended Prescription

  • 30-Day Review: After the initial 30-day period:

    • Attend a follow-up consultation to assess the treatment's effectiveness and any side effects.
    • If both you and the doctor agree to continue, a subsequent application will be made for a six-month prescription.

  • Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups are scheduled every six months to:

    • Evaluate the treatment's continued efficacy.
    • Renew the necessary permits and prescriptions.

Next Steps:

To determine your eligibility, consider completing The Pain Clinic's online questionnaire.

This form allows you to assess whether medical cannabis is a suitable option for your condition. Access the eligibility form here.