After a debate that has lasted for more than 20 years, the Portuguese government considers legalizing recreational cannabis.
Cannabis legislation in Portugal: a long history.
- In 2001, Portugal decriminalized drug consumption.
- In 2018, Portugal legalized medical cannabis.
- In 2021, Portugal reopened the debate on the legalization of recreational cannabis.
Most of the political parties in Portugal favor the development of the recreational cannabis market. Portugal wishes to develop a market similar to the one in place in Canada and the United States.
Portuguese people are in favor of the legalization of recreational cannabis.
Discussions are currently underway to fight against the illegal cannabis market and develop a practical legal framework to generate tax revenue and promote employment. The government noticed that countries that have authorized recreational cannabis see a significant decrease in the consumption of alcohol and opioids, as reported by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).
Portugal would greatly benefit from the legalization of recreational cannabis after the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.
Taking the example from the US market, all products would have to be grown legally, produced, and distributed within Portuguese borders. Portugal considers the opening of dispensaries and the possible distribution of cannabis products in pharmacies.
As of today, only nine cannabis cultivation facilities are open in Portugal, even though more than a hundred cultivation license applications have been submitted. The cannabis market could grow significantly after the legalization.
Portuguese cannabis producers who are already part of the market will benefit from a double economic and strategic advantage compared to other European companies. These producers will already be used to the domestic market and will therefore be able to create management structures earlier than the others.
After Malta, Portugal could soon become the new model for the legalization of recreational cannabis in Europe.
There is no doubt that the economic and social advantages of the legalization of cannabis will have a decisive weight in the government’s final decision.
