The Maltese Association of Psychiatry (MAP) formally expresses its opposition to any involvement of the Association for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) in sponsoring nurseries or initiatives aimed at socially disadvantaged children.
While we strongly support investment in children’s wellbeing, inclusion, and access to sport and developmental opportunities, we maintain that such initiatives must remain entirely independent of organisations associated with cannabis use.
There is robust scientific evidence demonstrating that cannabis use in children and adolescents is associated with significant risks, including adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, increased vulnerability to psychiatric disorders, and long-term cognitive impairment. Linking children’s activities—particularly those promoting health, development, and social inclusion—with organisations connected to cannabis risks normalising a substance that poses clear harm to this population.
Sport and recreational activities should remain safe, neutral, and health-promoting spaces, free from associations that may undermine public health messaging or expose vulnerable groups to conflicting signals.
MAP remains committed to advocating for the mental health of children and adolescents and to ensuring that all initiatives involving young people uphold the highest standards of safety, integrity, and evidence-based practice.