Store selling cannabis-related CBD products set to open opposite Gżira school
Stella Maris College has raised concerns with authorities
A store selling cannabis-related products is set to open directly opposite Stella Maris College in Gżira, prompting the school to raise concerns with national authorities.
On Tuesday, the college sent a circular to parents and guardians informing them about the opening of a shop selling cannabis-related CBD products. The outlet has yet to open.
The letter the school sent parents and guardians about the school Photo: Facebook“From the moment this came to our attention, the college leadership acted promptly and formally raised the matter with the competent national authorities,” read the letter, signed by the two heads of the school as well as the director of the educational mission.
The school said it had contacted the commissioner of Police, the chief executive of the Planning Authority, and the executive chairperson of the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC), requesting an urgent review of the situation given the shop’s proximity to the school.
“The college has emphasised its duty of care towards students and the importance of ensuring that all planning, regulatory, and safeguarding considerations are fully respected in an area frequented daily by minors.”
The college said it would continue to follow the matter closely, keep parents updated and ensure that “the college remains committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and values-based environment for all students”.
Images displayed on the shop’s storefront show cannabis leaves, tinctures, gummy sweets and other edible products. Several signs carry the slogan “legit way to relax”, while another poster reads: “don’t smoke weed to escape reality, do it to enjoy reality even more”.
The front of the store which is decorated with cannabis symbology Photo: Matthew MirabelliThe Planning Authority confirmed to the school that it is investigating the matter.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ARUC said it “fully understands and empathises with the concerns expressed by parents, educators, and the general public and reaffirms that the protection of minors remains a priority”.
The authority 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.
Malta’s cannabis reform was introduced in late 2021.
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 are permitted to 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.
The shop in Gżira is not one of these licensed associations.