Visiting Malta?

What Tourists Should Know in 2026

Your practical guide to Malta, local rules, CBD, cannabis, smoking, shopping and a few things worth knowing before you travel.

Crystal-clear Mediterranean water, historic cities, lively nightlife, beautiful beaches and more than enough sunshine – it's easy to understand why millions of visitors choose Malta every year.

But every country has its own rules and customs, and Malta is no exception.

If you're visiting the Maltese Islands, particularly if you're interested in CBD, cannabis or smoking-related products, there are a few things you should know. Some of Malta's laws are quite different from those in other European countries – and some of the headlines you've read about Malta may not tell the whole story.

Here's our practical MOM & POP guide to enjoying Malta while staying informed and respecting the local rules.

Welcome to Malta

Malta may be small, but there's a remarkable amount packed into the Maltese Islands.

Historic Valletta, the nightlife of St. Julian's and Paceville, the beaches of Mellieħa, the narrow streets of Mdina and the neighbouring islands of Gozo and Comino are all within relatively easy reach.

English and Maltese are Malta's official languages, and English is spoken virtually everywhere tourists are likely to visit. The currency is the euro (€), Malta is part of the European Union, and vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.

And yes – Malta can get seriously hot during summer.

Water, sunscreen and some shade during the hottest part of the day are always good ideas.

Cannabis in Malta: Don't Believe Every Headline

This is probably the subject that causes the most confusion among visitors.

You may have seen headlines describing Malta as the first EU country to legalise cannabis.

That's an oversimplification.

Malta introduced major cannabis reforms in 2021, but the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) explicitly states that Malta has not legalised the non-medical use of cannabis. Instead, certain activities involving cannabis have been partially decriminalised and a tightly regulated non-profit system has been established.

For example, Maltese rules partially decriminalise possession of up to 7 grams of cannabis in public and allow up to 50 grams of dried cannabis to be kept at home, subject to the applicable rules.

That does not mean Malta has created a recreational cannabis market comparable to a commercial dispensary system.

For visitors, there is another particularly important distinction.

Can Tourists Buy Cannabis from a Cannabis Association?

No.

Malta has licensed non-profit organisations known as Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations (CHRAs).

However, these are closed membership organisations rather than cannabis shops open to the general public.

According to ARUC, tourists cannot become members of a Cannabis Harm Reduction Association. Membership requires proof of Maltese residence, such as an ID card or residence card issued by the Maltese Government.

So if somebody tells you that you can simply arrive in Malta and join a cannabis club as a tourist, don’t rely on that information.

Malta’s cannabis framework was deliberately designed around regulated access for adult residents rather than cannabis tourism.

What About CBD in Malta?

CBD is a different subject from THC-rich cannabis.

Under the information currently published by ARUC, cannabinoid products containing no more than 0.2% THC do not fall within the definition of cannabis for the purposes of Malta's drug laws.

This is why you may see low-THC CBD products offered commercially in Malta.

However, not everything displaying words such as "hemp", "cannabinoid" or "legal cannabis" should automatically be assumed to be the same thing.

Pay attention to:

• the product ingredients
• cannabinoid content
• THC content
• product labelling
• manufacturer information
• instructions for use

Buying from an established retailer also gives you somewhere to ask questions if you're unsure what a particular product actually contains.

Be Careful with Synthetic and Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids

This is increasingly important for visitors.

Products containing newer cannabinoids can sometimes appear alongside conventional hemp and CBD products.

Malta’s ARUC has specifically warned consumers about synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoid products and the uncertainties surrounding their health effects.

So don’t assume that something is safe simply because it’s openly displayed or marketed as a cannabis alternative.

If you don’t recognise a cannabinoid or ingredient, find out what it is before buying it.

Can You Smoke Anywhere in Malta?

No.

Malta has restrictions on smoking in various public and enclosed places, so don't assume that being outdoors or on holiday automatically means smoking is permitted wherever you happen to be.

Pay attention to No Smoking signs and the rules of individual hotels, restaurants, beaches, entertainment venues and other establishments.

The simplest rule is:

If you're unsure whether smoking is allowed, ask first.

It's much easier than discovering afterwards that you've chosen the wrong place.

Public Cannabis Consumption Is Different from Possession

Another common misunderstanding is that being allowed to possess a limited amount means you're allowed to consume cannabis wherever you like.

Those are two different issues.

Malta's cannabis reforms did not turn streets, beaches, parks or entertainment areas into unrestricted cannabis-consumption zones.

Visitors should therefore avoid interpreting Malta's partial decriminalisation rules as permission for public consumption.

Respect the people around you, private property rules and the applicable Maltese legislation.

Never Drive Under the Influence

Malta drives on the left – which can already require some additional concentration if you're accustomed to driving on the right.

Alcohol, cannabis or other intoxicating substances obviously don't make that easier.

ARUC stresses that cannabis can impair judgement, coordination and reaction time and advises people who choose to use cannabis not to drive.

Malta has plenty of alternatives, including buses, taxis and app-based transport services.

If you're not fit to drive, leave the rental car where it is.

Can You Take CBD or Cannabis Home from Malta?

This deserves particular attention.

Something being legally available or tolerated in Malta does not automatically mean you can take it into another country.

Once you travel internationally, the laws of your destination – and potentially those of countries through which you transit – become relevant.

Rules concerning CBD, THC and other cannabinoids vary considerably between countries.

Therefore, never assume:

"I bought it legally in Malta, so I can legally fly home with it."

Before travelling with any cannabinoid product, check the current rules of your destination country and any applicable customs and airline requirements.

If you're uncertain, the safest option is to leave the product in Malta.

Shopping for Smoking Accessories in Malta

Visitors will find a broad selection of smoking and lifestyle accessories in Malta.

Typical products include:

• rolling papers
• filters and tips
• grinders
• rolling trays
• storage accessories
• lighters
• glass accessories
• cleaning products
• incense
• CBD products
• lifestyle accessories

A smoking accessory is not necessarily intended exclusively for cannabis. Many products can be used with tobacco, legal herbs or other lawful materials.

If you're buying an accessory to take home, however, remember that the rules in your home country may differ from those in Malta.

A Few Practical Malta Tips

Stay Hydrated

Malta's summer sun can be intense, particularly in July and August.

Carry water with you and don't underestimate the heat.

Use Sun Protection

The combination of sunshine, sea breeze and sightseeing makes it surprisingly easy to spend hours in direct sunlight without noticing.

Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat can make your day much more comfortable.

Don't Try to See Everything in One Day

Malta looks tiny on a map.

It is tiny.

Traffic, however, sometimes has other ideas.

Allow enough time when travelling between different parts of the island.

Explore Beyond the Tourist Centres

St. Julian's, Sliema and Valletta are popular for good reason, but Malta has much more to offer.

Mdina, Marsaxlokk, the Three Cities, Dingli, Mellieħa, Gozo and numerous smaller villages provide very different sides of Maltese life.

Keep the Island Clean

Malta's coastline and countryside are part of what makes the islands special.

Dispose of cigarette ends, packaging and other rubbish responsibly – particularly when visiting beaches and natural areas.

Visiting St. Julian's or Paceville?

Then you're already close to us.

MOM & POP Head Shop has been part of the St. Julian's/Paceville area since 2013.

Whether you're looking for rolling papers, grinders, smoking accessories, CBD products, gifts or simply have a question about one of the products you've encountered during your stay, you're welcome to visit us.

Our team speaks English and can help explain the products we stock and how they differ.

And if you'd rather browse first, you can explore our range online at headshop.mt.

Know Before You Go

Malta is a welcoming, relaxed and fascinating place to spend a holiday – but "relaxed" doesn't mean there are no rules.

The most important things for visitors to remember are simple:

• Malta has not simply legalised recreational cannabis.
• Tourists cannot join Malta's Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations.
• CBD and low-THC cannabinoid products are treated differently from cannabis under Maltese law.
• Don't assume public cannabis consumption is permitted.
• Never drive while impaired.
• Be cautious with unfamiliar synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids.
• Don't assume a product that can be purchased in Malta can legally be taken into another country.
• Respect local smoking rules, other people and the places you visit.

Do that, keep some sunscreen nearby and give yourself enough time to explore beyond the hotel – and you're well on your way to enjoying what Malta has to offer.

Welcome to Malta – and enjoy your stay!

This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations can change. Visitors should check current information from the relevant Maltese authorities and the authorities of their destination country when travelling with regulated products.