Cannabis activists ReLeaf Malta came out against statements made by ARUC chief executive Joey Reno Vella to ban the outdoor cultivation of cannabis by its registered retailers.
Vella, head of the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis, which regulates Malta's cannabis clubs, told the Malta Independent the authority had introduced a rule to ensure cultivation of legal cannabis can only take place indoors, or in an enclosed and sturdy environment, such as a greenhouse, if this would be outdoors.
"Therefore, outdoor cultivation is now totally prohibited, as per the amendments in the directives," Vella was quoted as saying. "The reason for this is so that the associations have full control over the cultivation of the cannabis product, as outdoor cultivation would be open to more pests and elements."
ReLeaf Malta said it was "outraged" by what is called "overly bureaucratic directives banning outdoor cultivation for cannabis associations. "This contradicts environmentally friendly practices, forcing clubs to rely on artificial lights, climate control, and other power-consuming methods," ReLeaf president Andrew Bonello said.
Read more at maltatoday.com.mt