Portugal, a small yet strategic European nation, is making considerable progress in the worldwide medical cannabis industry. Its favorable laws and regulations and its geographical position, offering a gateway to the broader European markets, make it an ideal location for businesses in this industry. The country is already home to several prominent players in the field, and it continues to attract more. One of the most recent developments in Portugal’s medical cannabis industry is the increase in the number of licensed companies operating in this sector. As of August 2023, Portugal is home to 42 licensed companies, marking a substantial growth of 23.5% compared to the previous year. This upsurge in licensed companies is not only a reflection of Portugal’s favorable regulatory environment but also the country’s strategic positioning as a gateway to European markets. However, this is just the beginning, as the industry’s potential is far from fully tapped. There are at least 150 companies waiting in the wings, currently undergoing the licensing procedure. The influx of so many companies indicates the significant potential and opportunities that the country offers in the medical cannabis industry. Another noteworthy development is the EU-GMP certification that Somai Pharmaceuticals, a leading pharmaceutical cannabis product manufacturer in Europe, has received for its facility in Portugal. This certification is a testament to the company’s commitment to adhering to stringent European Union Good Manufacturing Practices (EU-GMP). Importantly, the EU-GMP certification is an essential requirement for exporting cannabinoids for medical use to foreign markets, thereby establishing Portugal as a credible hub in the global medical cannabis supply chain. Innovation is another key aspect of Portugal’s medical cannabis landscape, with the introduction of pH7, a groundbreaking medical cannabis app now available to the Portuguese population. This platform is a game-changer for patients with legal prescriptions for medical cannabis, as it enables them to order and receive their medication through a secure online platform. This innovative application serves to ease access to medical cannabis, significantly improving patients’ quality of life by eliminating the need for physical trips to dispensaries. In addition, Portugal has broadened the implications of its pioneering drug decriminalization policy. In a landmark move, Portugal’s parliament approved changes to the nation’s drug laws, which had previously decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use back in 2001. The new legislation further expands the definition of personal consumption. It stipulates that possession of quantities exceeding the amount allowed for consumption over a ten-day period will no longer be considered automatic evidence of drug trafficking. Under this amendment, law enforcement will need to establish that the substances were intended for illicit trafficking before charging an individual with drug trafficking. These developments represent only a fraction of the advancements in Portugal’s medical cannabis industry. As the country continues to refine its legal framework and regulatory environment to support this high-growth sector, we can anticipate witnessing even more progress and innovation in the years ahead. For those interested in staying abreast of the latest news and developments in Portugal’s medical cannabis industry, here are a few resources: 1. Infarmed IP (https://www.infarmed.pt/): The Portuguese health authority responsible for overseeing the medical cannabis industry. 2. Cannareporter (https://cannareporter.eu/): A news source based in Portugal that provides comprehensive coverage of the medical cannabis industry. 3. Business of Cannabis (https://mjbizdaily.com/portugal-tries-to-position-itself-as-europes-top-medical-cannabis-exporter-but-companies-face-challenges/): A global news source that covers the latest news and trends in the cannabis industry worldwide, including Portugal.

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