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Medical: Illegal
Recreational: Illegal
Albania does not have a recreational or medical marijuana program and even small amounts of marijuana for personal use can be penalized by significant jail time. Albania is one of the largest illicit producers of marijuana in Europe, but this has not had an effect on the country’s laws regarding cannabis.
In July 2022, the Albanian government introduced a bill that would legalize growing industrial and medical cannabis, but only for exportation purposes, excluding residents of the country from accessing the plant legally.
While the cannabis plant remains illegal in Albania, that has not stopped country residents from cultivating, consuming, and selling the plant. A 2017 report found cannabis was the most commonly used illicit substance. Much of the cultivation takes place in mountain towns. In 2013, a small town called Lazarat made international headlines when police engaged in a multi-date operation, attempting to seize the means of cannabis production only to be met with steep resistance and gunfire from local residents.
Possible penalties
Under Albanian law, growing, selling, giving, or possessing cannabis in any form is illegal and can carry a jail sentence of 5 – 10 years. The law makes an exception for small doses for personal use, though what qualifies as a small dose is not explicitly defined and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Albania medical marijuana
Albania has no medical marijuana program.
In July 2022, the government introduced a bill that would allow for the cultivation and selling of medical cannabis, but only for export. This means residents would be allowed to grow medical weed, but not sell or consume it within the country. The bill is currently open for public comment and has faced severe opposition from the opposing political party.
CBD regulations
CBD exists in a legal grey area in Albania, as the country does not have specific regulations on the cannabinoid. There is a distinction between hemp and marijuana plants, though hemp cultivation is not legal yet. You can find certain CBD products for sale online and in-store in the country.
Can you grow your own weed?
Legally, you cannot grow your own cannabis plants in Albania, but in practice, the country is one of the largest cannabis cultivators in Europe.
Visiting Albania – can you buy or bring marijuana products?
There is no legal way to buy cannabis in Albania, but the country is a hotspot of cultivation and exportation, and thus has a thriving black market. You may be able to purchase cannabis products from the right person, but keep in mind that possession is illegal and these products are unregulated and untested.
Do not bring cannabis into Albania. Crossing international borders with cannabis is considered drug trafficking which carries far harsher penalties than possession.
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