VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Residents who wish to report cannabis odour in their neighbourhoods can now do so directly to the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) via a newly launched freephone service, 80002088.
Since the launch, ARUC has already received ten assistance requests, including complaints about cannabis odour in apartment buildings.
ARUC’s executive chairperson, Dr Joey Reno Vella, explained that people breaching cannabis use regulations may face fines up to €235. Upon receiving a complaint, the authority first contacts the person involved and attempts to find a solution. If the issue persists, ARUC officers will inspect the complainant’s residence.
Dr Vella emphasised that the process is administrative, not criminal. Offenders will not face criminal charges or have the fine recorded on their police conduct. Cases will be heard before the Justice Commissioner, and both the complainant and ARUC experts must testify under oath.
Cannabis smoking in public areas, especially near children, remains strictly illegal. Dr Vella also noted that cannabis associations must be located at least 250 metres away from sports facilities.
Additionally, if minors are found in licensed cannabis premises, fines can increase by up to ten times, reaching €10,000.
The latest reforms also grant ARUC the power to oversee commercial shops selling cannabis products and provide clearer definitions of psychoactive substances based on European standards.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
