Sun Growers Farm CHRA, a potential cannabis association led by President Amanda Debono, has taken legal action against ARUC, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg, and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, alleging persistent neglect by the authorities.
In a judicial protest filed by lawyer Jose Herrera, Sun Growers revealed its application for a cannabis association in Gozo on May 22, 2023. Subsequent discussions with the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) led to recommendations and corrections sent on August 2. Sun Growers promptly implemented these changes, notifying ARUC on August 30.
Despite multiple reminders via email and phone over the following five months, Sun Growers has yet to receive a response. The association emphasized having invested a significant amount in planning, site identification, and operational agreements with service providers. Faced with the risk of service providers withdrawing due to delayed payment, Sun Growers has incurred additional expenses to keep them onboard.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the apparent preferential treatment received by other organizations, Sun Growers issued a two-week ultimatum for ARUC to respond. Failure to comply may result in legal action to safeguard their rights.
Six cannabis associations, namely KDD Society, Ta’ Zelli, Sprawt, Northern Lights, NEGE, and Pollen Theory, have already obtained licenses. Anticipated to commence plant sales to members in the first quarter of this year, these associations have progressed swiftly compared to Sun Growers’ pending application.