Albania towards cannabis legalization for medical purposes

  Industrial cannabis

 61% of the approximately 563 thousand Albanians who became part of the National Council seek the legalization of cannabis for industrial processing. Based on this support, the government said that it will start legal procedures to pave the way for this initiative.

Minister of State for Standards Milva Ekonomi, said to local media that we have similar examples in the region and mentioned North Macedonia. However the minister said the number of cannabis growers and traders will be limited.

"There are examples of this in the Balkans. There are some examples. We are not in a region where this legalization has not happened. This is not the first time this idea has been rejected. Even a year and a half ago this issue was discussed. There are adjustments in use, trade, etc. Trading will be limited. "Everything will be seen as a package that will be very limited in the number of those who will produce and trade."

How much will the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes affect the growth of the economy?

"Like any new sector in the economy, it will have an influence because it activates resources that have not been activated so far. Will activate land area, manpower, mechanics. Research, processing, trade. There will be a chain of sub-sectors. Emerging new sectors they seek to hire others. It will have greater market value. This is an economic sector and should be seen some countries that have a similar tactic. "It has nothing to do with mass use, it will be limited, trade will not be free," Ekonomi replied.