Shkodër, Albania

Since February 2025, cannabis has been legalized in Albania for medical and industrial purposes. The Albanian Parliament passed the Cannabis Law on July 21, 2023, establishing a regulated framework for the cultivation, processing, and distribution of cannabis for these specific purposes. The law aims to attract investment and increase tax revenue while ensuring strict controls to prevent misuse.

The government has implemented strict criteria for licensing, security, and transportation to ensure compliance with international standards. Cultivation is permitted in controlled environments such as open fields, greenhouses, and indoor spaces with artificial lighting. These locations are subject to stringent security measures, including 24/7 monitoring with high-resolution CCTV cameras, infrared sensors, and security personnel. The transportation of cannabis products requires sealed vehicles with GPS tracking and security escort.

Applications for licenses to cultivate and process medical cannabis are expected to be submitted later this year. Potential operators will have to meet strict criteria and comply with detailed regulations covering all aspects of production and distribution. The National Cannabis Control Agency will monitor compliance, providing live camera footage of cultivation areas and requiring all activities to be reported. These developments mark a significant shift in Albania's approach to cannabis and allow the country to join other nations in the region committed to the medical cannabis industry.