Portugal exported 5.4 tons of medical cannabis in the first half of 2023

The Portuguese medical cannabis industry has seen a sharp increase in production and exports in recent years.

The latest figures from the country’s health authority, Infarmed, revealed that during the first half of this year, Portugal exported approximately 5,438 kilograms of medical cannabis. If it maintains this pace, Portugal could surpass last year’s record of 9,271 kilograms.

Growth, but a slowdown

Although the figures show substantial growth, it is increasing at a slower rate than in previous years. In 2020, the country exported 4,850 kilograms. In 2021, that figure rose to 5,694 kilograms, showing a gradual increase in medical cannabis export volumes.

The main destinations for exports of Portuguese medical cannabis this year is Germany, which leads the list with 1,678 kilograms, followed closely by Poland, which received 1,589 kilograms. Australia received 955 kilograms.

Israel, which had previously been a major importer from Portugal, did not import any cannabis from that country in 2023 and instead chose Canada, importing 20,907 kilograms during the 2022–23 fiscal year. Canada is globally recognized as a a major exporter of medical cannabis flowers, with an increase of nearly 50% in its exports from April 2022 to March 2023, totaling 59,986 kilograms.

Amid this growth, Portugal remains well-positioned to emerge as a major producer of medical cannabis on a European and global scale.

Fertile Ground in Portugal

Overall, Infarmed has granted licenses to 42 companies for activities related to medical cannabis, 8 more than in 2022. In addition, 150 more entities are in the process of being licensed, which suggests a significant increase in the number of companies involved in Portugal’s cannabis sector in the near term. This year alone, Infarmed has granted 76 new licenses, which can be held concurrently by a single company for each specific activity.

The number of authorizations granted by Infarmed for the cultivation, manufacture, import, export, and distribution of cannabis reflects the market’s momentum. Currently, 24 companies hold cultivation licenses, while 15 are involved in the manufacture and preparation of substances. Twelve hold licenses for wholesale distribution, and 32 are authorized to import and export. Impressively, 17 of these companies have obtained EU GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification.

Despite the substantial export volumes, the Medical cannabis remains very difficult to access in Portugal. Only 524 packages of the only available product—Tilray Flor Seca, containing 18% of THC—were prescribed to Portuguese patients.