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Episode 7 · 9 November 2026

Id-Droga f'Malta

Guests: Dr Daniel Mercieca (Psychotherapist and Clinical Coordinator, Caritas), Karen Mamo (Drug researcher), Mike Orland (Social Worker and Service Manager, Sedqa), Mark Vella (Chief Officer Compliance and Enforcement, ARUC)

Claims checked · 5

  • True 2
  • True but lacks context 1
  • Misleading 2
  1. National addiction services and NGOs are failing to provide alternative treatments for cocaine dependence, such as cannabis-based approaches and supervised psychedelic therapy, which people who can afford private care can access. This creates inequality in the right to health. Karen Mamo, Drug researcher Misleading
  2. 55:24 The government is spending €6 million on Caritas, €600,000 on the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) and €2.3 million on the OASI Foundation. Karen Mamo, Drug researcher True but lacks context
  3. International research into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) suggests that children exposed to adversity have a higher probability of developing drug dependence later in life. Dr Daniel Mercieca, Psychotherapist and Clinical Coordinator, Caritas True
  4. Licensed cannabis associations in Malta must guide members towards professional support, such as Sedqa, if they notice signs of dependence. Mark Vella, Chief Officer Compliance and Enforcement, ARUC Misleading
  5. There is no substitute for cocaine like there is methadone for heroin. Mike Orland, Social Worker and Service Manager, Sedqa True