Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544378
ANDREW Bonello believes the re- cent controversy over a sponsorship agreement between the cannabis regulator and the Malta Football Association is the latest case of a mishandled reform. The president of ReLeaf, a cannabis advocacy group, says the controversy was yet another case of government making a mess of the reform. Bonello explains that while he sees nothing wrong with such a sponsor- ship, it was the politician's wish to score political points from the event that brought about the unnecessary controversy. But Bonello also voices concern about what he describes as "fishy" manoeuvres by the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC), including its failure to publish yearly reports. He is also critical of what he describes as the authority's tendency to prioritise commercial aspects of the cannabis sector over its consumers. Bonello clarifies that while he has no problem with commercialising the cannabis industry, this cannot be done while keeping consum- ers' rights as they are. He takes is- sue with the stringent limits for home-growers that stand out when compared to recently relaxed rules for cannabis associations. The activist further calls on gov- ernment to place people from the cannabis community on ARUC's board, noting that this can help the authority have a genuine perspec- tive of cannabis users, leading to less stigma in their regard. Andrew Bonello: 'Government is making a mess out of the cannabis reform' Cannabis activist Andrew Bonello was angered by the sponsorship deal involving the cannabis regulator and the Malta Football Association. But the reasons for his concern are very different from those put forward by opponents of cannabis regulation. He sits down with Matthew Farrugia to discuss the 2021 cannabis reform and the actions needed to safeguard consumers from stigma. 6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 ARPIL 2026 INTERVIEW