Currently, there is no law in Portugal that allows you to grow marijuana at home. However, medical cannabis is becoming a growing market, and there are companies that are looking to expand into this market.
Growing Cannabis At Home Is Not Legal
Unlike many countries, growing cannabis at home is not legal in Portugal. However, it has been approved for medicinal use, and it is expected to become legal for personal use in the future.
The legal framework of cannabis cultivation in Portugal is defined by Decree-Law no. 33/2018 of July 18th. It is a fairly unambiguous law.
It states that the Portuguese government should support scientific research into cannabis. It also declares that the personal use of cannabis is not a crime.
The sale of cannabis equipment is illegal. It is also illegal to sell narcotics. Depending on the severity of the offense, a prison sentence can range from one to five years.
The use of CBD, a compound extracted from the cannabis plant, is also a legal grey area. The market for this product has exploded in recent years. The only medication currently available in Portugal is Sativex, which contains equal levels of THC and CBD. It is sold for about 475 euros.
Medicinal Cannabis Is A New Market Leader
Among a few lenient countries in Europe, Portugal has taken the first steps toward medical cannabis. The country is now a new market leader. It has a large base of local scientists and extraction companies working in the industry.
The Portuguese National Authority of Medicines and Health Products, also known as Infarmed, approved the Tilray medical marijuana production facility in Portugal. The company is a global leader in cannabis research and production. It serves tens of thousands of patients in 16 countries across five continents. Its products are certified for the treatment of severe seizure disorders in children, nausea associated with chemotherapy, spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, and appetite stimulation in patients with HIV/AIDS.
In addition to the Tilray production facility in Portugal, several other specialized cannabis cultivators are active in the country. These companies can produce finished medical cannabis products for export to the European Union and other international markets with an authorized medical cannabis program.
The Portuguese medical cannabis market is expected to reach US$2.5 billion by 20261. The legalization of the drug in Portugal means that it will be available only through pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription. The National Authority of Medicines and Health Products will regulate most aspects of the MMJ.
Taxing Marijuana Sales Would Be Profitable In Portugal
Having been decriminalized for drugs in 2001, Portugal is looking at a more liberal approach to medicinal cannabis. A number of pharmaceutical companies have invested millions in producing marijuana-based medicines in Portugal. Tilray, for example, is looking to open its biggest European hub in Cantanhede, near Coimbra.
The Comptroller’s Office estimates that the legalization of marijuana in Portugal could generate a hefty $1.3 billion in tax revenue annually. While this figure may seem a bit small for a nation of 8.5 million inhabitants, it’s still a lot of tax money. Some of that will go to state and local levels, as well as the Basic Health Plan Trust Account.
Although the aforementioned scheme has not yet been implemented, the rumored legalization of cannabis-based medicine in Portugal has already started to generate buzz. Some people argue that legalization is the best way to combat the problem of drug-related crime. However, the jury is out on whether or not it will help.
Getting Rid Of Weed
Getting rid of weed in Portugal isn’t as simple as hopping into a car and heading to a coffee shop. There are still illegal drug dealers in the country, and tourists will be caught smoking joints.
In the 1980s, Portugal was in a state of crisis. In fact, one in ten people was using heroin alone. The government had to act to address the problem. The police commissioner at the time, Bruno Pereira, said that new legislation was needed.
In 2001, the Portuguese government decriminalized the use of all drugs. This move was meant to treat addicts instead of punishing them. Since then, the country has had a reputation for having a progressive approach to the drug issue.
Unlike other countries, Portugal’s drug policies are quite different. While it is still legal to sell narcotics, it is illegal to grow cannabis.
It is possible to buy marijuana-based medicines in pharmacies, but only if a doctor prescribes them. The only medication currently available in the country is Sativex. It costs 475 euros.
