Signs promoting cannabis near school disappear after outcry
Children's commissioner wants ban on shops selling cannabis-related products near schools
A store selling cannabis-related products opposite Stella Maris College in Gżira has removed its signage following complaints from the school and intervention by the authorities.
Cannabis-related imagery were on display on the facade surrounding the shop entrance and above the outlet's door on Wednesday but by Thursday the shop, which is located directly opposite the school, had removed all promotional material after concerns were raised with the relevant authorities.
The Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) said “immediate action has been taken in coordination with the Planning Authority to address the situation concerning the commercial outlet near Stella Maris College, Gżira.”
“The advertisements in question have since been removed,” the authority added.
ARUC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the principles underpinning Malta’s cannabis reform insisting the reform was "never intended to promote normalisation".
It added that "effective regulation and responsible oversight remain essential pillars of the framework.”
ARUC reiterated the protection of minors and the integrity of the reform "remain a priority".
The authority has previously noted that while it oversees non-profit cannabis harm reduction associations, it does not have the statutory power to regulate for-profit outlets selling products containing less than 0.2% THC.
It added that it has been involved in drafting a new bill aimed at introducing formal regulation and enforcement measures for such commercial operators.
Until Wednesday, the storefront featured images of cannabis leaves, tinctures, gummy sweets and other edible products. Several signs carried the slogan “legit way to relax”, while another poster read: “don’t smoke weed to escape reality, do it to enjoy reality even more”.
The shop is not one of the licensed non-profit associations permitted under Malta’s cannabis reform.
Under current legislation, adults may possess up to seven grams of cannabis and grow up to four plants at home. Consumption is restricted to private spaces and is prohibited in public or in the presence of minors.
Licensed non-profit associations may cultivate and distribute cannabis to registered members within legal limits. One of the key rules governing such associations is that there can be no signage or advertising of cannabis visible from outside their premises.
Stella Maris College director Stephen Cachia confirmed to Times of Malta on Thursday that the signage had been removed. He also called for stricter legislation regulating shops selling CBD products.
“Regulation and legislation around these CBD products need to take place,” Cachia said.
”I understand these are different to THC products. However, these are sold in shops that advertise them and those that don’t, making them very easily available. They are sending a very harmful message to children and youths in normalising the use of cannabis-based products and, by extension, cannabis.”
He thanked the authorities for acting swiftly.
The Commissioner for Children also expressed concern about the outlet’s proximity to the school in a statement issued on Thursday.
“The visibility of such outlets within children’s immediate environment raises serious concerns to inappropriate influences,” the Commissioner said.
The office called for urgent regulatory measures to ensure that establishments selling or promoting cannabis-related products are prohibited from operating adjacent to schools or within areas primarily used by children.
Malta’s cannabis reform was introduced in late 2021.