The Authority Responsible for the Use of Cannabis (ARUC) and the University of Malta have signed an agreement that will lead to effective collaboration in various areas, especially in cannabis research and testing.
The ARUC and the University are committed to having an analytical study carried out by the Department of Chemistry at the University by next October on substances and pesticides that can be found both in cannabis grown legally by licensed associations and in illegal cannabis that is in the possession of the Court as part of the judicial process.
Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg said that this research should scientifically show how the dangers of cannabis vary between that sold over the counter and cannabis grown legally under strict controls by the ARUC and the Harm Reductions Associations that are licensed by the Authority.
She expressed her satisfaction that a framework of cooperation has been agreed between the University of Malta and the ARUC which aligns with the purposes of the law whereby while cannabis was and remains illegal, its use in a controlled manner is minimising the harm that cannabis causes to health.
The Rector of the University, Professor Alfred Vella, stressed that this agreement is important, because this sector must be served in a safe manner. The Rector added that the University has various resources, and therefore it is important that these resources continue to be used for the good of society, including so that the cannabis that the Associations are supplying, under the strict supervision of the ARUC, has a high-level product.
ARUC Chairperson Joey Reno Vella said that as a result of this agreement, the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis will be in a better position to also strengthen its cooperation with the Sedqa Agency in awareness campaigns against drug abuse and to continue to strengthen the regulatory framework for associations licensed by it.
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