Valid cannabis smell complaints reach 140, but ARUC has yet to issue a fine
The €235 fine was introduced in May last year
Since Malta introduced a €235 fine for cannabis users whose smoke smell annoys neighbours, the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) has not issued a single fine, its CEO Joey Reno Vella said
To date, ARUC has received 140 valid complaints, most of which were resolved after the authority sent an informational letter outlining the complainant’s rights.
In 39 cases, the issue was resolved following an on-site inspection, while in three instances ARUC involved the police, as the complaints related to matters that could have led to criminal charges.
“We try to strike a balance between people’s right to smoke cannabis inside their premises and their neighbours’ right not to be bothered by the smell,” Vella said.
Two NGOS, ReLeaf Malta and Moviment Graffitti had criticised the fine when it was introduced describing them as a violation of privacy and anonymity that "gives fresh impetus to a culture of stigma against thousands of cannabis consumers and cultivators in Malta and Gozo."
The new law also introduced harsher regulations against cannabis associations. Under the law, any offences committed by cannabis associations will be heard in front of a magistrate rather than a tribunal.
Fines for associations that take on underage members will increase significantly. Previously, fines ranged from €500 to €1,000, but they will now start at €3,000 and rise to €10,000.
In the case of serious offences, the highest fine was increased from €10,000 to €50,000, or double the value of the proceedings related to the offence, whichever is higher.