Malta — Recreational Cannabis Legal (2021) / First EU Country / Cannabis Clubs
Malta made history in December 2021 by becoming the first European Union country to legalise recreational cannabis use. The landmark legislation allows adults aged 18 and over to possess up to 7 grams of cannabis in public and cultivate up to four plants at home for personal use. Non-commercial cannabis associations — modelled loosely on the Spanish cannabis club model — are permitted to register and provide cannabis to their adult members.
Valletta, Malta’s magnificent baroque capital and one of the smallest capital cities in the European Union, sits at the heart of this historic policy change. The city’s compact scale, stunning Mediterranean architecture and vibrant hospitality scene make it an attractive destination for cannabis travellers. The CBD market is well-developed alongside the new recreational framework, with hemp wellness shops and CBD retailers operating throughout the island.
The Maltese Cannabis Authority (ARPA) oversees the regulatory framework for cannabis associations. Commercial sale of cannabis through retail shops remains prohibited — only registered non-commercial associations can distribute to members. CBD products derived from hemp are freely available in health shops, pharmacies and wellness boutiques across Valletta and the island.
Valletta — Cannabis Association
Registered cannabis association in Malta’s historic capital city, open to adult members
St Julian’s — CBD Shop
Popular CBD and hemp wellness shop in the busy tourist and entertainment hub of St Julian’s
Sliema — CBD & Wellness
CBD wellness shop and hemp product specialist in the cosmopolitan Sliema waterfront area
Mosta — Botanical Wellness
Botanical hemp and CBD wellness centre in central Malta’s Mosta town
Msida — Plant & Hemp Wellness
Plant-based wellness and hemp supplement shop near the University of Malta campus in Msida
Malta’s Cannabis Reform Act (2021) legalised adult personal use and cultivation of cannabis. Adults aged 18 and over may legally possess up to 7g of cannabis in public and grow up to 4 plants at home. Smoking in public remains prohibited, as does consumption near children. Non-commercial cannabis associations registered with ARPA may distribute cannabis to adult members for personal consumption.
Commercial retail sale of cannabis is not permitted under the current framework. Purchasing cannabis from unregistered sources remains illegal. The intent of the legislation is to supply adults through regulated, non-commercial associations rather than a commercial retail model.
CBD products with THC below 0.2% are freely legal and widely available across Malta. When visiting Malta, stick to legal channels — CBD shops for hemp products, and registered associations if you qualify for membership.
Do not travel internationally with cannabis. Check CBD clearance times before flying.
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