Learn how to sell cannabis in Portugal legally and profitably
Opportunities are blooming across Portugal for those interested in cannabis plantations. The country has long been known for its favorable weather, making it an ideal spot for growing cannabis. In 2018, lawmakers decriminalized cannabis possession and cultivation for personal use. Cannabis seeds and plants are readily available in Portugal, enticing many to start their own cannabis gardens. If you’re looking to sell cannabis products in Portugal, you may feel overwhelmed by the cannabis laws and regulations. This article will shed light on how to sell cannabis in Portugal and offer valuable insights to address your goals, like information on cannabis laws, regulations, selling, and availability in Portugal.
Grower IQ’s cannabis production software can help you achieve your objectives. The tool allows businessmen of cannabis plantation in Portugal to optimize their yield so they can sell quality products and stay compliant with local laws and regulations.
The History Of Cannabis In Portugal
For decades, high rates of drug use and incarceration plagued Portugal. The country faced significant consequences for rampant drug use, including the spread of blood-borne diseases, which impacted entire communities and decreased quality of life.
Through a series of bold epidemiological interventions, Portugal fought back and reduced the rates of drug use and associated diseases. In 2001, officials made the bold decision to decriminalize the personal use of all drugs and focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment.
Legal Implications
An individual who is caught in possession of cannabis in Portugal is sent to a local Commission for Dissuasion of Drug Addiction, which consists of:
- A legal expert
- Two medical professionals/psychologists
This commission reviews the case and decides if treatment is necessary to combat addiction. Overall, opportunities for cannabis in Portugal are continuing to emerge, but it’s still a strictly controlled and heavily regulated market with a sole focus on medicinal marijuana.
Decriminalization of Cannabis in Portugal
Portugal was one of the first countries to decriminalize marijuana in 2001, and medical marijuana was legalized in 2018. Buying and selling recreational marijuana remains illegal — trafficking cannabis in Portugal can result in a one- to five-year prison sentence.
When Portugal decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2001, it also considered decriminalizing the cultivation of marijuana for personal use but ultimately decided against it. Cultivating cannabis in Portugal, even if for personal use, remains illegal.
Legal Implications
In 2018, two political parties, Bloco de Esquerda and PAN (People-Animals-Nature), introduced a bill in parliament that would legalize the use of medical marijuana without a prescription. Ultimately, a more conservative version of the bill passed, and doctor-prescribed medical marijuana was legalized.
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Portugal’s Cannabis Legal Framework
The existing regulatory framework is mainly focused on medical cannabis. In 2018, the Portuguese government passed a law that legalized medical cannabis for patients with a doctor’s prescription. This law allows for the following:
- Cultivation
- Import
- Distribution of medical cannabis products in the country
Who’s in Charge of Regulating Medical Cannabis in Portugal?
The regulatory body overseeing the medical cannabis industry in Portugal is Infarmed. This organization is responsible for issuing licenses to companies that wish to cultivate, import, or sell medical cannabis products. To obtain a permit, companies must comply with a set of regulations and standards established by Infarmed, including requirements for security measures, quality control, and record-keeping.
What About Recreational Cannabis Use in Portugal?
Portugal has also decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. This means that individuals caught with small amounts of cannabis are not subject to criminal prosecution.
Instead, they may face a fine or be required to attend a drug education program. The government of Portugal has been considering legalizing recreational use of cannabis, but there has been little progress on this front. Currently, recreational use of cannabis is still illegal in Portugal, and individuals caught with larger amounts of cannabis may face criminal prosecution.
Medical Focus
Overall, the legal framework surrounding the cannabis industry in Portugal is focused on medical cannabis, with a regulatory body overseeing the industry and a set of regulations and standards that companies must comply with.
While there has been discussion around legalizing the recreational use of cannabis, this has not yet been implemented, and individuals caught with larger amounts of cannabis may still face criminal prosecution.
GrowerIQ Solution
GrowerIQ provides cannabis growers with a comprehensive solution for:
- Managing their cultivation operations
- Ensuring compliance
- Optimizing quality
- Enhancing efficiency throughout the seed-to-sale process
Standards And Certifications Of Production
In Portugal’s medical cannabis industry, strict standards and certifications play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of products. The National Authority of Medicines and Health Products (INFARMED) regulates the industry, overseeing everything from cultivation to manufacturing.
To be licensed for cultivation, companies must comply with Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), essential for maintaining high-quality production standards.
Regulatory Framework
GACP governs the cultivation, harvesting, and drying of cannabis plants, ensuring that pesticides and fertilizers are controlled and safe. Conversely, GMP focuses on the manufacturing processes, including:
- Processing
- Packaging
- Labeling of cannabis-based products
Together, these practices ensure that the entire production process, from plant to final product, meets rigorous:
- Safety
- Quality standards
Industry Standards
Companies in Portugal’s medical cannabis industry are committed to safety and quality. In addition to complying with Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), they must obtain GACP and GMP certifications issued by third-party organizations that audit and verify compliance.
These certifications are a testament to their dedication to producing safe, effective, and high-quality medical cannabis products. This level of standardization benefits everyone involved:
- Doctors and patients can rely on consistent dosage and product quality.
- Researchers can conduct clinical trials with products that maintain uniformity over time.
- The industry benefits significantly from this level of standardization.
Industry Trust
Access to GMP-certified active pharmaceutical ingredients ensures seamless GMP manufacturing for broader use, fostering a more efficient and reliable industry.
By meeting these certifications and standards, Portugal’s medical cannabis industry fosters trust among consumers, patients, and healthcare professionals while promoting:
- Patient safety
- Product efficacy
How Many Cannabis Licenses Are There in Portugal?
Portugal has emerged as a leading global producer of medicinal cannabis, with 42 licensed companies actively engaged in cannabis-related activities as of 2023, an increase from 34 in 2022.
This 23.5% growth reflects the increasing momentum in the country’s medicinal cannabis sector. However, the number of entities involved could rise significantly as 150 other companies navigate the licensing process.
Who Issues Cannabis Licenses in Portugal?
Infarmed, the National Authority for Medicines and Health Products plays a crucial role in issuing these licenses. In 2023, Infarmed granted 76 new authorizations for various activities, including:
- Cultivation
- Manufacturing
- Import
- Export
- Distribution of cannabis
There are 265 pending requests in the post-decision or suitability for inspection phases, covering different areas such as:
- 98 requests for cultivation inspections
- 38 requests for manufacturing
- 115 requests for import/export
- 14 requests for wholesale distribution
Existing Licenses in Portugal
Here’s a breakdown of the existing licenses:
- 24 companies hold cultivation licenses
- 15 companies are licensed for manufacturing and preparation
- 12 companies have wholesale trade licenses
- 32 companies are authorized for import and export
Seven companies have earned EU-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification, which indicates compliance with high standards in the production of medicinal cannabis.
Cannabis Exports in Portugal
While Portugal has exported over 5.4 tons of cannabis by August 2023—primarily to markets like Germany, Poland, and Australia—domestic prescriptions remain low. Only 524 packages of the available Tilray Flor Seca with 18% THC have been prescribed in Portugal.
The growth in licenses and exports positions Portugal as a significant player in the global medicinal cannabis industry. The ongoing licensing process suggests even more companies could enter the market shortly, contributing to the sector’s continued expansion.
Opportunities In The Field Of Cannabis In Portugal
The legalization of medical cannabis in Portugal has opened up opportunities for companies to cultivate and produce medical cannabis products.
Portugal has a favorable climate for cannabis cultivation, with warm temperatures and abundant sunlight. This has led to several companies investing in cannabis cultivation facilities in Portugal.
Low-Cost Production
One advantage of investing in the cannabis industry in Portugal is the low cost of production. Compared to other European countries, the cost of labor and land is relatively low in Portugal. This has led to lower production costs, making it an attractive location for investors.
Ideal Location for Exporting Cannabis
Portugal is strategically located, making it ideal for companies to export medical cannabis products to other European countries.
This has led to some companies setting up production facilities in Portugal to take advantage of this opportunity.
How To Sell Cannabis In Portugal
Selling cannabis in Portugal, specifically medical cannabis is a tightly regulated process overseen by the National Authority of Medicines and Health Products (INFARMED). The sale of recreational cannabis remains illegal, but medical cannabis can be sold under strict conditions.
Obtain a License to Sell Cannabis in Portugal
To sell medical cannabis in Portugal, businesses must first obtain the necessary licenses from INFARMED. These licenses cover various aspects of the industry, including:
- Cultivation
- Processing
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
Each of these stages requires separate licensing, and companies must demonstrate compliance with national and European regulations.
Comply with GACP and GMP Standards
Companies involved in growing, processing, or selling medical cannabis must adhere to Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) for cultivation and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for:
- Processing
- Manufacturing
Compliance with these standards ensures that cannabis is safe, effective, and high-quality, which is essential for any product sold in pharmacies.
Secure INFARMED Approval for Cannabis Products
Once the cannabis products are manufactured, they must be approved by INFARMED before being sold to the public. This includes providing data on the product’s composition, efficacy, and safety. INFARMED will assess whether the product:
- Meets the required standards for medical use
- Can be prescribed by healthcare professionals
Distribution and Sale of Medical Cannabis in Portugal
Medical cannabis in Portugal can only be sold through licensed pharmacies, and only with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Pharmacies must source cannabis products from licensed distributors that meet all regulatory requirements.
Companies looking to distribute medical cannabis need to have agreements with pharmacies and ensure that their products are handled in compliance with pharmaceutical standards.
Target Markets for Medical Cannabis in Portugal
Currently, the primary market for medical cannabis in Portugal is patients with specific health conditions that can be treated with cannabis-based medicines, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Other serious medical conditions
To reach these patients, companies need to work closely with healthcare providers and educate them on the benefits and proper use of medical cannabis.
Getting Into the Export Opportunities for Cannabis in Portugal
Portugal’s favorable climate and regulatory framework have also positioned the country as a hub for exporting medical cannabis.
Licensed companies that meet European Union (EU) standards for GACP and GMP may be able to export cannabis products to other EU countries and beyond, depending on each country’s regulations.
Marketing Cannabis in Portugal: Education is Key
Because cannabis is still a sensitive topic, companies must be careful about how they market their products. Direct marketing of medical cannabis to patients is not allowed.
Still, businesses can educate healthcare providers and the public about the benefits of medical cannabis through:
- Educational campaigns
- Conferences
- Partnerships with medical professionals
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Who Is The Largest Exporter Of Cannabis In Europe?
Germany is the largest exporter of medical cannabis in Europe. Portugal is currently the second-largest producer of medical cannabis in the EU. The country has an annual declared production of 34 tonnes of medical cannabis.
Regulated Portuguese Medical Cannabis Industry
The Portuguese medical cannabis industry is tightly regulated, with a strong emphasis on safety and quality. Despite this focus, there’s criticism regarding the limited access for patients who need medical cannabis. The current legal framework in Portugal aims to provide access, but it hasn’t fully achieved its goal of making medical cannabis widely available to patients.
Limited Access and Mutual Recognition for Medical Cannabis in Europe
A significant challenge across Europe is the lack of mutual recognition for medical cannabis. Unlike traditional medicines, which can be sold across the EU once approved in one country, medical cannabis products aren’t automatically recognized across borders.
If you are looking to sell cannabis in Portugal, you will want to stay up to date on any changes in the laws regarding the export and import of cannabis products to help you avoid any legal issues.
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Uncomplicate Your Cannabis Production Today With GrowerIQ!
Cannabis growers face challenges in managing reporting, documentation, and compliance requirements due to the complexity of regulatory frameworks, evolving legal standards, and the need for accurate record-keeping in a highly regulated industry.
At GrowerIQ, our software aims to provide cannabis growers with a comprehensive solution for managing their cultivation operations, ensuring compliance, optimizing quality, enhancing efficiency throughout the seed-to-sale process, and simplifying the production process overall.
Software Features
We do this with our software, which offers a range of functionalities to assist cannabis growers, including:
- Seed-to-Sale Tracking
- Quality Management
- Cultivation Planning
GrowerIQ provides cannabis growers with a comprehensive solution for:
- Managing their cultivation operations
- Ensuring compliance
- Optimizing quality
- Enhancing efficiency throughout the seed-to-sale process
About GrowerIQ
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