The Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) notes with concern the issues raised by the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) regarding the emergence of products containing the substance known as “CC9.”

ARUC clarifies and reassures the public that such products are not distributed, endorsed, or provided by any licensed Cannabis Harm Reduction Association (CHRA). CHRAs strictly provide natural cannabis in line with the Cannabis Reform of 2021, and under no circumstance are synthetic or semi-synthetic substances permitted within the non-profit regulatory framework.

The CC9 products in question are being sold by commercial entities operating outside ARUC’s current legal remit. Nevertheless, ARUC has been actively monitoring these developments and has engaged with forensic scientists from the University of Malta’s Department of Chemistry to gain a deeper understanding of the substance and its potential risks.

Moreover, ARUC has proposed legislative amendments – currently under parliamentary debate – which aim to grant the Authority the legal competence to monitor, regulate, and take effective enforcement action against such commercial outlets. These reforms aim to curb abuses, safeguard public health, and ensure that all cannabis-related products on the market fall squarely within the scope of a regulated, harm-reduction-driven system.

ARUC remains committed to protecting public health and welcomes continued dialogue with all stakeholders – including the medical community – to ensure a science-led and responsible approach to cannabis regulation in Malta.