Before you jump the fence, getting ahold of CBD products in Malta legally requires the ‘right approach.’
You probably wouldn’t be here unless you’re willing to face 3 months in prison, am I right?
Here’s what you can gain after reading this article:
- How to buy CBD products in Malta
- Current Laws of Using CBD oil and products in Malta
- Is CBD legal in Malta
- Loopholes for buying CBD products
First things first, understanding your legal rights is one of the biggest factors that come into play.
Cannabis and Drug-Related Laws in Malta
Generally speaking, Cannabis products are still illegal in Malta.
Regardless of the THC content, Malta does not differentiate between hemp and marijuana, making it harder to import or buy CBD products whether at your local pharmacy or online.
The three legislations that handle drug deals in Malta are:
- Dangerous Drug Ordinance
- Medical and Kindred Professions Ordinance
- Drug Dependence Act
The Maltese government recognizes two forms of possession when cultivating cannabis:
- Simple possession – possession intended for personal use.
- Aggravated possession – possession intended not for the offender’s exclusive use.
Anyone in possession of a small number of drugs or cannabis will be tried in front of the Justice Commissioner. As their first offense, the offender will have to pay for a small fine should he/she be found guilty.
If the offender commits the same offense within 2 years, he/she is obliged to attend the Drug Offenders Rehabilitation Board. Failure to comply with these conditions will result in a sentence of 3 months in prison.
Even with the health benefits of cannabis, this has not proven sufficient evidence to allow the legalization to buy CBD products.
That being said, the use of cannabis products, cannabidiol, or any form of CBD in Malta is still considered illegal, as presented by the Maltese government.
However, in 2015, the Drug Dependence Act decriminalized the possession of small quantities of marijuana (3.5 g at most per person).
Even with the decriminalization, finding a loophole between using hemp or marijuana still proves to be difficult.
Since the Maltese government provides no distinction between hemp and marijuana, the use of cannabidiol or CBD is still left in a gray area for CBD users.
Where is the loophole?
The law states that an individual is allowed to have one cannabis plant for personal use.
Take note that the legislations do not differentiate between hemp and marijuana, so one cannabis plant means strictly limited to one plant only.
However, the loophole is not in the number of cannabis plants you are allowed to possess, but rather the amount of cannabis.
You can have one large cannabis plant that produces more CBD than 5 cannabis plants combined.
Even if one cannabis plant produces more CBD than 5 plants combined, having only one plant is still considered legal according to the law.
While this loophole presents an opportunity for some, we strongly advise caution should you decide to follow through this loophole.
Is CBD legal in Malta?
We’ve already mentioned that having one plant is considered legal in Malta.
You might be wondering if there’s another alternative to obtain CBD legally apart from this one plant loophole.
In 2018, medical cannabis was legalized in Malta. It differs from the actual plant primarily because medical cannabis aids in treating various health problems such as insomnia, sclerosis, pain management, etc.
Medical cannabis can also be considered legal CBD since it permits users to use CBD, given the user satisfies the conditions.
You can obtain legal CBD in two conditions:
- Approval from the Superintendent of Public Health
- Doctor’s prescription
Satisfying these two conditions will grant you access to a control card.
Having a control card in your possession allows you access to medical cannabis, which is also a non-smokable form of cannabis.
Approved prescriptions for obtaining medical cannabis usually followed three main reasons:
- Spasticity in multiple sclerosis
- Chemotherapy side effects
- Pain management
Is Cannabidiol (CBD) the same as Medical Cannabis?
Cannabidiol (CBD) and medical cannabis slightly differ; however, this wouldn’t matter in Malta.
Going back to the drug-related laws in Malta, the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) found in a plant whether high or low is still considered illegal use of cannabis in Malta.
However, the possession of Cannabidiol (CBD) is given more allowance than the possession of the plant itself.
Cannabis oils, particularly those with less than 0.2% of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), will be given allowance even in areas where marijuana is strictly illegal.
We can understand this more by understanding the difference between hemp and marijuana. Although both substances derive from the same plant, Sativa cannabis, the output of each is different.
A marijuana plant will generally have higher concentrations of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for producing high mind-altering effects on those who use it.
Hemp also produces THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) but in lesser amounts that are considered negligible. This means that the amount found in hemp is not enough for recreational use.
How does this relate to buying CBD oils legally?
Although CBD in Malta is considered illegal, CBD oils typically contain less than 0.2% THC.
This means that it’s considered legal to buy CBD products that contain less than 0.2% THC without a prescription.
Now, if you plan on buying cannabis products with a level higher than 0.2%, it’s best to secure a control card rather than take the risk of trying to weasel your way out.
How to Buy CBD in Malta Legally
Before you can buy CBD in Malta legally, take note that your doctor must state in your prescription that all therapies and medications have been tested first before resorting to the use of cannabis.
Follow these 3 steps if you want to buy CBD legally:
Step 1: Obtain a Control Card
To obtain a control card, you’ll need your doctor’s approval and prescription, stating the reasons why you need it.
Take note this can also put your doctor’s reputation at risk. Prescribing the use of CBD products isn’t taken lightly. The Ministry for Health strictly monitors the use of narcotics and psychotropic drugs, including CBD products.
Should the reason fall short or result in misuse of the prescribed CBD product, this will tarnish your doctor’s reputation and possibly result in losing their license.
For this reason, doctors will only prescribe a control card unless absolutely necessary. Also, a drug control card is only valid for 10 months.
Step 2: Apply for a Permit
Getting ahold of CBD is no easy task. Although medical cannabis products are legally allowed in Malta, gaining approval and the necessary documents for legal use of cannabis products is a time-consuming process.
Unlike the first step, applying for a medical cannabis permit requires your doctor’s participation and can take months to complete the process.
In fact, applying for a permit is where most patients become stuck in.
After the release of the first batch of control cards in 2018, many patients who applied during this period are still waiting for their permit up this day.
Step 3: Fill Your Prescription At Your Local Pharmacy
Congratulations! With your approved permit and card, you can now buy CBD legally in Malta!
How Difficult Is It to Legally Buy CBD in Malta?
The chances of being able to legally buy CBD in Malta are quite slim.
Even though a movement in Malta to support CBD’s legalization exists, the movement isn’t strong enough to complete the CBD legalization process.
Recent studies also show that only a fraction of the population (23.6%) in Malta supports CBD legalization, while most (66.6%) are against it.
What does this mean for CBD enthusiasts?
Unfortunately, CBD enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and patients should expect a long road ahead before CBD becomes officially legal in Malta.
That’s not to say CBD enthusiasts should lose hope.
Considering the recent legalization of medical CBD is also a sign of progress, change, and hope that CBD enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and patients can look forward to.
In the meantime, we can hope for policy-makers like Releaf, who are also pursuing the advocacy of opening doors for businesses in Maltese to allow the processing and cultivation of cannabis for pharmaceutical purposes.
On the brighter side, you can legally purchase a CBD product that contains less than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol without having to worry about obtaining a prescription!
This can range from CBD vape juices and CBD oils to CBD gummies and even CBD Coffee!
Best Online Shops to Buy CBD in Malta
There are a handful of online shops that sell natural and organic CBD. Before purchasing a product, always make sure the brand and shop are trusted sources.
To name a few, here are a few online shops you can try:
- Nordicoil
- Dr. HempMe
- Canvory
- Anvengarde
- Naturicious
Word of Advice
Although various shops, food stores, and online shops offer CBD product deals with low tetrahydrocannabinol levels, we advise you to exercise caution beforehand.
You might want to ask friends or colleagues who have tried purchasing CBD online. Just in case, we recommend obtaining a doctor’s prescription ahead of time.
Even though products with low tetrahydrocannabinol levels are given more allowance, it still carries risks. However, if you decide to jump the fence, take all the precautions needed and always verify the tetrahydrocannabinol levels first.
Final Thoughts
The safest way to acquire CBD in Malta is through the medical cannabis program, which we’ve discussed earlier, can take months – even years – to process.
That said, Malta isn’t the only country with strict CBD restrictions.
Although CBD has proven some evidence in alleviating pain and several medical conditions, there is still much evidence needed to complete the legalization.
In the meantime, let’s be patient for a future where CBD becomes officially recognized for its pharmaceutical and therapeutic purposes.