A bill that will legalize the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

In August 2018, the Portuguese government legalized therapeutic cannabis. As such, Portugal now joins other European countries such as Italy, Germany, Holland or the Czech Republic that already have a legal framework for the consumption of Cannabis for medical use.

In the final bill adopted by the Portuguese Parliament, cannabis can only be consumed in medicinal form, with a prescription and purchased in pharmacies. Marketable medicines must have prior approval from Infarmed, the Portuguese pharmaceutical regulatory agency. The state itself can produce drugs through the military laboratory.

The country already has a number of facilities to produce Cannabis flowers for medical use. This is the case for example with the presence of the Canadian group Tilray north of Lisbon in Cantanhede.

The Cantanhede greenhouse has received a new certification to increase its export options. The Tilray production campus in Portugal, which currently covers 250,000 square meters and employs 100 people, received a $ 20 million investment.

In addition to growing cannabis, the site also includes research and development spaces, and Tilray is expected to reach 200 employees by the end of the year.

Major Canadian licensed producers, such as Tilray, are increasingly turning to international operations in recent months as restrictions on marijuana for medical purposes are relaxed in the European Union.

In February, Canadian producer Aurora Cannabis Inc. purchased Gaia Pharm Lda, a Portuguese medical marijuana supplier, which has been renamed Aurora Portugal.

Source: CBD NATION, GRIZZLE, LE CANNABISTE, COURRIER INTERNATIONAL