Is Hemp Legal in Albania?

Industrial hemp and medical cannabis cultivation are legal in Albania under Law No. 56/2024, On the Control of Cultivation and Processing of the Cannabis Plant and the Production of its By-products for Medical and Industrial Purposes, which Parliament approved on 21 July 2024. The law ends Albania's blanket prohibition on Cannabis sativa cultivation and creates a licensed sector aimed almost entirely at exports.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection oversees medicinal licenses, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development oversees industrial hemp licenses. Licenses run for fifteen years and require a minimum investment, dedicated security, satellite monitoring, and GACP/GMP compliance. The law caps domestic medical cannabis use and restricts retail; the policy intent is to position Albania as a Mediterranean producer for EU and Israeli markets. Industrial hemp must contain no more than 0.2 percent THC, aligning with the EU agricultural standard prior to the 0.3 percent revision adopted by some member states.

The first licensing round opened in late 2024, with applications evaluated through 2025 and early commercial cultivation expected by the 2026 growing season.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.