Portugal is notable for its forward-thinking approach to drug policy, including cannabis. The country decriminalized the possession and consumption of all drugs for personal use in 2001 under a groundbreaking reform aimed at treating drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. Here’s an overview of the current regulations regarding hemp and cannabis, including recent legislative attempts and the status of inhalable CBD products:
Cannabis and Hemp Regulations
- Decriminalization of All Drugs:
- Date and Details: In July 2001, Portugal decriminalized the possession of all drugs, including cannabis, if the amount possessed is no more than a ten-day supply of the substance. This quantity is typically interpreted as 25 grams of cannabis herb or 5 grams of hashish.
- Enforcement: Possession above this limit can still result in criminal charges, while possession within the limit subjects individuals to an administrative process, possibly leading to fines, treatment, or other interventions.
- Medical Cannabis:
- Legalization Date: Medical cannabis was legalized in Portugal in June 2018. The law allows for the prescription of cannabis-based medicines, preparations, and substances for patients for whom traditional treatments have not been effective.
- Regulation: The cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes is regulated, requiring licenses from the Infarmed, the national authority on drug and health product safety.
- Industrial Hemp:
- Regulations: Cultivation of industrial hemp is permitted, and it must be registered and licensed. The plants must contain less than 0.2% THC, aligning with European Union standards.
Recent Legislative Attempts
- Legalization Efforts: There have been ongoing discussions and proposals for further legalization, especially aimed at fully regulating the sale and use of cannabis to better control its market. For example, in early 2019, the Left Bloc and the People-Animals-Nature (PAN) party introduced proposals to legalize the personal cultivation of cannabis and its sale in licensed establishments. However, these proposals were not passed in the parliament.
- Regulatory Clarifications: Efforts continue to refine and clarify the regulations around the medical cannabis market, including improving the licensing process for cultivation and expanding the conditions eligible for treatment.
Inhalable CBD Products
- CBD Regulations: The sale of CBD products, including inhalable products like vaporizers, is legal in Portugal as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC. CBD is treated separately from cannabis with higher THC concentrations and does not fall under the same strict regulations.
- Market for CBD: There is a growing market for CBD products in Portugal, including oils, creams, and vaporizable substances. These products are widely available in stores and online.
Portugal’s approach to cannabis and hemp is part of its broader drug policy, which emphasizes health and treatment over criminalization. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, the country’s policies on medical cannabis and hemp cultivation are aligned with European standards, with ongoing legislative discussions potentially leading to further liberalization in the future.
