Did you know Albania was once dubbed the “Cannabis Capital of Europe“? In 2022, the United Nations ranked Albania 7th globally for illegal cannabis cultivation. Fast-forward to 2025, and the country is making headlines again, this time legalizing medical cannabis under strict regulations. But what does this mean for residents, tourists, and businesses?
Is Cannabis Legal in Albania?
Cannabis is illegal in Albania for recreational and medical use, but industrial hemp cultivation is permitted under strict regulations. Despite its prohibition, Albania has a history of cannabis cultivation, and enforcement has historically been inconsistent, particularly in rural areas.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited. Even small amounts for personal use can result in fines or jail, though penalties depend on the court’s interpretation of small doses.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is legal but only for export. Licensed companies can grow cannabis in secure facilities with 24/7 surveillance, but patients in Albania cannot legally buy or use it.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (THC ≤0.8%) is legal for fiber, grain, and CBD production. The government allows licensed farmers to grow hemp, aiming to boost agriculture and exports.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Albania
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Albania. A 2017 study found that 20% of adults admitted to trying. Despite strict laws, black-market sales thrive, especially in rural areas like Lazarat, once called Europe’s Marijuana Mountain.
2. Mental Health Concerns
No official data links cannabis use to mental health issues in Albania. However, unregulated products raise risks of contamination and addiction.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Hemp farming could revitalize rural economies. The government allocated 200 hectares for licensed cultivation, aiming to create jobs in agriculture and manufacturing.
Cannabis Cultivation in Albania
Albania’s new regulations focus on high-security medical cannabis farms. Licensed growers must:
- Build 4-meter concrete walls with barbed wire.
- Install 24/7 CCTV monitored by the National Cannabis Control Agency.
- Use GPS-tracked vehicles for transport.
These rules aim to prevent theft and meet EU standards. However, critics argue the requirements are too costly for small farmers.
Law and Control of Cannabis in Albania
1. How Cannabis Laws Are Enforced
The National Cannabis Control Agency oversees compliance. Employees and license applicants undergo drug tests and background checks. To ensure quality, companies must hire specialists in pharmacy and agro-engineering.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite strict laws, Albania remains a hotspot for illegal cultivation. In 2023, authorities seized over 11 tons of cannabis, but experts estimate 90% of production goes undetected.
Cannabis Penalties in Albania
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Possession of small amounts may lead to fines or up to 5 years in jail. |
| Trafficking | Selling or transporting cannabis carries 5–20 years in prison. |
| Growing | Illegal cultivation can result in 5–10 years in prison. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Albania
Albania’s government aims to become a medical cannabis exporter, with licenses costing 100,000 lek (~$900). However, opposition parties warn that poor enforcement could fuel corruption and drug trafficking. Public opinion is shifting: 45% of Albanians now support legalization for medical use, up from 28% in 2020.
Albania’s cannabis laws are at a crossroads. While medical and industrial reforms promise economic growth, recreational users and patients remain at risk. For now, tourists and residents should avoid cannabis unless they’re part of the licensed green rush.
