Albania legalizes medicinal and industrial cannabis

By Sechat Editorial Team with information from El Planteo

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The Albanian parliament approved the legalization of medicinal and industrial cannabis in a surprising decision, as reported by ABC News.

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This change represents a remarkable turnaround for the country, which was once famous as a major center for marijuana trafficking in Europe. Additionally, it coincides with the enactment of a new law in Luxembourg allowing adults to possess and cultivate limited amounts of marijuana for personal use.

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The parliamentary vote was 69 to 23 in favor of approving the limited and controlled cultivation of cannabis plants. The bill had been approved by the Albanian Council of Ministers a month prior.

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The legislation aims to establish a regulatory agency for the cultivation, production, processing, and export of cannabis and its derivatives, and has the support of the Council of Ministers.

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Initially, the Albanian government presented a bill in July 2022 and proposed a second bill in the same year. Prime Minister Edi Rama conducted a national survey earlier this year, revealing that 61% of respondents were in favor of legalizing cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.

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Interestingly, the left-wing government led by Rama's Socialist Party became known for eradicating millions of dollars worth of cannabis plantations in the years following its victory in the 2013 parliamentary elections, estimated at $8.5 billion.

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You can also read: Cannabis in nature in Brazil: the dilemma between prohibition and freedom of access

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The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) announced on Wednesday (19), through a technical note, a decision that prohibits the importation of raw cannabis flowers into Brazil. According to the health agency, the goal is to regulate the use of the plant and its derivatives safely and responsibly.

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The measure has sparked debates and discussions

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What does Anvisa say?

.In a statement to the Sechat portal, the agency informed that the decision took into account various aspects, including the potential medicinal use of cannabis, patient safety, and the need to control the illegal trafficking of the substance.

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“With this prohibition, the aim is to avoid risks to public health and ensure that products derived from cannabis meet rigorous quality standards,” the note states.

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Anvisa also emphasized that after 60 days, import requests for raw cannabis flowers will no longer be accepted, and if new requests are submitted, they will be denied.