Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1523932
5 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 JULY 2024 mcast.edu.mt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 When Malta introduced its par- tial decriminalisation of cannabis consumption and growing, its 2021 Bill came with a number of conditions for those seeking to grow and distribute cannabis as an association, and those who would become members of the associations. One of the condi- tions written into law states that an association, "shall not accept as members or in the continua- tion in its membership persons who are members of another or- ganisation of the same type." However, government and the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) had assured cannabis users that their name won't end up in a central- ised database in light of privacy concerns. This was confirmed by a spokes- person for the parliamentary sec- retary for equality and reforms, who noted that "the legislation stipulates that the associations are not to provide the members' personal details to the Authority for the Responsible Use of Can- nabis." Upon learning of cases where association members were ap- plying and being accepted as members of other associations, this newspaper asked how ARUC assures that individuals are not members of more than one asso- ciation. The spokesperson replied, "pro- spective members are required to declare that they are not a mem- ber of another association." The spokesperson made no ref- erence to a system in place which prohibits members from joining multiple associations, noting that "individuals who attempt to join more than one association will be knowingly submitting a false dec- laration, which may lead to legal consequences. Nevertheless, one must not presume that members are actively seeking to infringe regulations." Despite this, the spokesperson said ARUC is currently trying to procure software to aid in ensur- ing that all parties comply with the legislation. "The Authority's initial attempts to procure a sys- tem available off the shelf were unsuccessful; due to the unique requirements stipulated, a tai- lor-made software shall now be procured." The spokesperson appealed to cannabis associations and their members to respect the bound- aries laid out in the legislation. "It is in the best interest of all involved to ensure that the spir- it of the law is being respected so as to continue safeguarding the newfound dignity of can- nabis users, who until the in- troduction of this bold reform, have suffered from unjust dis- crimination and prosecution for many years." In July, as ARUC announced the opening of the eighth can- nabis association in Malta, the authority also announced signif- icant updates to its regulatory framework through amendments on technical standards and op- erating practices for harm re- duction, approved premises, key positions, and governance and administration. "ARUC remains committed to continue improving its regulatory framework, ensuring the smooth and effective implementation of the responsible use of cannabis reform in accordance with legis- lative parameters. The Author- ity emphasises its dedication to fostering a community-based approach, where associations op- erate strictly on a not-for-profit basis," the spokesperson said. Aruc to develop ad-hoc software to manage membership applications