Albania Moves to Legalize Medical Cannabis Following Public Support

Albania is on the verge of legalizing medical cannabis, following a national consultation that revealed significant public support for the initiative. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the government would proceed with legalization after 61% of participating citizens voted in favor. This decision marks a significant shift for Albania, which has historically been a major producer of illicit cannabis in Europe

The national consultation conducted in February showed that out of 507,000 participants, 308,000 supported the legalization of medical cannabis, 148,000 opposed it, and 51,000 remained undecided. Prime Minister Rama emphasized that the government is committed to enacting the will of the people, indicating that the process will begin soon with concrete actions from cabinet members

In his statements to the media, Prime Minister Rama highlighted the potential economic and technological benefits of legalizing medical cannabis. He noted that this move is expected to create new job opportunities and foster economic growth. Rama assured the public that the government is determined to follow through with the citizens' demands, promising visible steps in the coming days

Albania's journey towards cannabis legalization has been influenced by both internal and external factors. In 2020, Prime Minister Rama proposed a draft law to legalize medical cannabis, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed progress. Historically, Albania has been pressured by international forces to curb its black market cannabis production, especially in regions like Lazarat

Looking ahead, Albania aims to catch up with neighboring countries that have already developed medical cannabis industries. By legalizing cannabis for medical use, Albania hopes to align itself with regional trends and capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by this emerging sector. The government's commitment to this initiative signals a new era for Albania's approach to cannabis

The move to legalize medical cannabis in Albania is seen as a significant step towards modernizing the country's drug policies and aligning with international standards. It also reflects a broader shift towards recognizing the potential medical benefits of cannabis, as well as its economic advantages. As the government prepares to implement this change, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the benefits for the Albanian people