Albania to legalize medical cannabis in accordance with citizen referendum

Prime Minister Edi Rama's government is set to pave the way for the legalization of medical cannabis in Albania. Last February, the Albanian prime minister had requested the country's view on the subject through a national consultation initiative. 61% Albanian citizens thus voted in favor of legalization.

According to the poll results, 308,000 citizens voted in favor, 148,000 against, while 51,000 had no opinion on the matter.

In a statement to the Albanian media, the head of government said that the citizens' requests would be fulfilled.

«We are going to legalize cannabis and open up a new avenue for jobs and economic growth, in addition to advancing technology. What the citizens have said will be done.»

«The voice of the people is resounding, and we will do exactly what the people want—some things more quickly, others less slowly. It’s a process, but very soon—in a few days—you’ll see cabinet members coming forward with concrete commitments to restore the trust that people have placed in this process,» the prime minister emphasized.

As early as 2020, Edi Rama had announced that he was drafting a bill to legalize the cultivation of medical cannabis and launch a public debate. With the COVID-19 pandemic intervening, the initiative took longer than expected. The country was one of the largest cannabis producers for the European black market until international pressure forced him to take action, for example, in the Lazarat area.

Beyond the economic benefits, the country is also trying to catch up with its neighbors who were less reluctant to develop a medical cannabis industry.