Is Marijuana Legal in Albania?
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Meagan MorrisDirector of Content and SEO
Is Marijuana Legal in Albania?
In July 2023, the Albanian Parliament voted to legalize medical cannabis and industrial hemp. The bill, which calls for a National Cannabis Control Agency to regulate the cultivation, production, and export of cannabis and industrial hemp, passed with 69 votes in favor, 23 opposed, and three abstentions.
Historically, Albania was a major hemp producer in the 1960s and 1970s. But hemp factories collapsed in the early 1990s, their downfall secured by the 2000 reclassification of hemp as a narcotic.
In 1994, the Albanian government established the Law of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances, which included cannabis on the list of controlled substances. In January 1995, the criminal code of Albania was created, officially banning the use, production, and trade of narcotics.
Cannabis was not explicitly listed in the criminal code, but it was reportedly made clear that it was viewed as a narcotic per the 1994 law.
Article 283 in the criminal code made the sale, distribution, trading, transporting, or storing of any illegal drugs punishable by 5-10 years imprisonment.
The new legalization bill now allows for an overall area of 200 hectares acres across the country designated for the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
What Are the Medical Marijuana Laws in Albania?
Despite the passage of marijuana legalization bill in July 2023, no Albanian companies can currently fulfill the requirements imposed by the National Cannabis Control Agency. It’s currently unclear which medical conditions will qualify Albanian patients for medical marijuana.
How Much Cannabis Can I Possess in Albania With an MMJ Card?
Cannabis possession limits for medical patients in Albania are currently unclear, but we will provide more information as soon as it’s made available.
How Do I Get Certified for Medical Cannabis in Albania?
It’s not currently possible to be certified for medical cannabis in Albania, but as soon as that changes, we will provide detailed instructions for the certification process.