Inside Malta’s legal cannabis clubs

From homegrown buds to non-profit weed clubs, Malta is quietly leading Europe’s cannabis reform — but you’ll need more than a lighter to navigate the system.

In December 2021, Malta became the first European Union country to fully legalise cannabis for adult use. Under the landmark Cannabis Reform Act, adults over 18 can legally carry up to 7 grams in public, grow four plants at home— without fear of prosecution. But there’s a twist: while the law is progressive, it’s built on a non-commercial foundation. You won’t find dispensaries or pharmacies selling cannabis here. Instead, Malta introduced a unique model based on harm reduction and community-driven access through licensed non-profit cooperatives, a.k.a. “cannabis associations.”

As of 2025, six of these cooperatives, each capped at 500 members , have been licensed, with more set to open. Members can legally purchase cannabis grown within the association, under strict oversight from Malta’s Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC).

“Our reform is not about the maximization of profits,” said ARUC’s executive chairperson Leonid McKay. “A full-blown commercialised market goes against the very principles of harm reduction.”

The basics are simple, but the fine print is worth reading. Legal cannabis use in Malta comes with clear boundaries:

Tourists, however, are currently out of luck. Only residents with a valid Maltese ID can join these associations. Bringing in weed from abroad? That’s a legal no-go — considered trafficking under local law.

While officially known as “Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations” (CHRAs), most locals call them weed clubs — and they’re not easy to join. Demand is high, and most clubs are already at capacity. However, new names like Northern Lights, NEGE, Pollen Theory, and South Flowers are expected to open soon.

Membership fees hover around €35 for three months. That grants you entry, access to purchase from the club’s selection of strains (typically around €12/g), and invites to educational sessions on safe consumption and cultivation. But don't expect lounges or on-site smoking — consumption is limited to private residences only, and clubs can't allow members to light up on the premises.

If you’re thinking of avoiding the queue and cultivating your own supply, be warned: home-grow rules are strict. Plants must be grown inside, out of sight, and yield limits apply. Each household is limited to 50g of dried cannabis at one time — even though four plants can technically produce far more.

Malta’s cannabis reform stands out not just for being first in the EU, but for how intentionally non-commercial it is. The model prioritises community, education, and public health over profit — a rare move in a world where legal weed is often big business.

Opponents, including Malta’s Nationalist Party, argue the law could inadvertently boost black market activity. Yet early signs suggest otherwise, with tight regulations and traceability requirements helping to stabilise legal access.

Looking ahead, Malta is expected to expand club offerings to include products like rosin and concentrates later in 2025. Whether this model influences other EU nations — like Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, which are also eyeing reform — remains to be seen.