Caritas Malta has expressed its concern about the recent agreement between the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis and the Malta Football Association.

The OASI Foundation also expressed its concerns over the agreement in a statement on Monday.

Caritas Malta said that it ”wholeheartedly recognises and supports the principle of investing public funds to promote inclusion, opportunity, and healthy development among children and youths, particularly through sport. Facilitating access to structured activities such as football nurseries is an important and noble social investment.”

However, Caritas Malta has expressed serious concern regarding the ”framing and institutional identity underpinning this agreement.”

It pointed out that the very term “Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis” is difficult to reconcile with ”preventive and protective programmes targeting children.” The concept of “responsible use” in relation to cannabis ”creates ambiguity in messaging, particularly when associated with initiatives involving minors.”

”This situation reflects a deep contradiction: it is like promoting road safety education for children under the banner of an institution titled “responsible over-speeding.” Such framing risks sending mixed signals that can undermine prevention efforts. For young people, clarity in public messaging is essential to support informed and healthy choices,” stated Caritas.

While acknowledging that the good intentions behind the agreement, Caritas Malta stressed that the Authority ”cannot escape the implications of its title and mandate in a context where cannabis use is increasingly being normalised for children and youth.”

Furthermore, Caritas Malta said that it believes that this agreement ”may lack the sensitivity towards individuals and families afflicted by the negative consequences of cannabis use.”

It said that ”many continue to express frustration and pain regarding the application of the legal framework, particularly the lack of enforcement of regulations prohibiting public consumption of cannabis and the consumption of cannabis in front of children including in playgrounds, as well as the absence of clear and effective regulation concerning the sale of low-THC cannabis products that continue to advertise cannabis and cannabis products.”

Caritas Malta urged all stakeholders ”to exercise greater caution and responsibility in aligning public health messaging with initiatives targeting children and adolescents. It is essential that prevention, clarity, and the protection of vulnerable groups remain at the forefront.”

Caritas Malta said that it ”remains committed to contributing constructively to national dialogue, its prevention initiatives and its support to individuals and families affected by substance use, while advocating for policies that prioritise wellbeing, responsibility, and social cohesion.”

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