Albania and Legal Cannabis Production

Albania, known as the world’s sixth-largest supplier of illegal marijuana, is moving toward establishing a regulated and legal cannabis production system.

The Albanian government has officially announced the legalization of cannabis cultivation, processing, and sales for therapeutic and industrial purposes. The plan also includes provisions to allow the import and export of cannabis products.

Work on the legislation began in 2021, with the government analyzing successful models from other countries to guide its approach.

Thanks to its favorable climate for cannabis cultivation and its strategic location near the European market, Albania has long been a hotspot for illegal cannabis production. This has fueled organized crime, which has largely controlled the cultivation and distribution of the plant.

Licenses Reserved for Large Operators
Despite many Albanian families cultivating cannabis for generations, it remains uncertain whether they will benefit from the new legislation. The proposed law appears to favor large-scale operators, as the government aims to structure the future industry around businesses that are easier to regulate.

Under the new framework, companies will need licenses to grow cannabis, with each license valid for 15 years and renewable. Licenses will cover operations such as warehouse-style facilities, greenhouses, and open fields. To qualify, businesses must meet minimum capital requirements, cultivate medical cannabis on plots between 5 and 10 hectares, and employ at least 15 workers. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate expertise in cannabis cultivation and submit a detailed business plan outlining processes for growing, harvesting, storing, and processing the plants.

The legislation strictly prohibits the advertising of cannabis products containing more than 0.2% THC.

In Georgia, cannabis seeds can be purchased through GrowGrow.