Who can cultivate cannabis in Spain? New map reveals authorized companies
An update from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices shows a decrease in research projects and an increase in authorizations focused on medicinal production and process validation related to cannabis
The expansion of medical cannabis in Europe continues to reshape the continent's regulatory map. In Spain, an update released by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) reveals significant changes in the profile of authorizations granted for plant cultivation: while research-focused projects have decreased, licenses related to medicinal production and industrial process validation have gained ground.
According to the Spanish portal Cáñamo, the most recent AEMPS list gathers 22 valid authorizations for cannabis cultivation distributed among twenty entities. The survey shows a significant shift compared to the scenario observed two years ago, reflecting the evolution of the country's regulated cannabis chain.
Medical cannabis licenses advance in Spain
According to the Cáñamo website, of the 22 authorizations currently in effect, eight are intended for research, nine for production or manufacturing for medical and scientific purposes, and another five for obtaining batches aimed at validating manufacturing processes for narcotic active ingredients.
Although the total number of authorizations is 22, the registry covers twenty unique entities. This is because the companies Bhalutek Sens and Phytoplant Research appear simultaneously in both research and medicinal production categories.
Among the organizations authorized for medicinal activities are Cannaflos Genetics, Linneo Health, Medical Plants, Naturhemp, Oils4Cure, Ondara Directorship, and Sovereign Fields, in addition to the companies present in more than one category.
According to the Spanish portal, the current scenario differs from that analyzed in 2023. At the time, the country accounted for 16 research projects, six focused on medicinal production, and two intended for process validation, distributed among 21 companies and entities.
Current data shows that the number of research initiatives was cut in half, while authorizations linked to medicinal production and validation stages grew. However, the document released by the agency does not detail the factors responsible for this shift, nor does it allow for a comparison of the size of the authorized projects.
Transparency increases, but patient access remains without indicators
The registry update also brings new elements for monitoring the sector. According to AEMPS, research authorizations have a fixed term and can be renewed during project execution.
Meanwhile, entities interested in cultivating cannabis for medicinal purposes must obtain additional approvals related to the land used for planting. Furthermore, all authorized organizations must submit annual result reports to the regulatory agency.
According to the Cáñamo website, releasing the names of companies and the purposes of licenses represents progress in a sector frequently criticized for a lack of transparency. In 2025, a resolution by the Council for Transparency and Good Governance required the Ministry of Health to provide more detailed information regarding the conditions of granted authorizations.
Despite this, the registry still does not report cultivated areas, production volumes, signed contracts, or the commercial destinations of the production—factors considered relevant to understanding the actual size of the market.
The update comes at a time of regulatory changes for medical cannabis in Spain. In 2025, the country regulated the use of compounded cannabis products through Royal Decree 903/2025. The regulation establishes that prescriptions remain restricted to specialist doctors in a hospital setting and mandates that preparation and dispensing be carried out exclusively by hospital pharmacy services.
In this context, cultivation licenses are part of a regulated chain subject to state control of narcotic substances. However, according to the disclosed information, they do not automatically guarantee patient access to treatments.
The updated registry indicates that Spain maintains a broader legal framework for cannabis cultivation than is typically imagined, although limited to specific purposes and subject to government oversight. Outside this system remain home cultivation, cannabis social clubs, and adult use.
Source: portal Cáñamo.