Portugal's cannabis exports substantially increase by nearly threefold
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Portugal's medical cannabis exports are skyrocketing, with 32,558 kilos of sales abroad last year covering cultivation, manufacturing, and wholesale trade activities. The top five export destinations were Germany, Spain, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This growth of 172% has catapulted Portugal to the leading European exporter and the second-largest global exporter, trailing only Canada.
Rui Santos Ivo, the head of the National Authority for Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed), recently shared that there are 41 companies currently authorized for cannabis cultivation, 24 for manufacturing, and 15 for wholesale trade. Between cultivation, manufacturing, and wholesale trade, another 150 companies are waiting for inspections.
It's important to mention that, as of May 2025, there are 39 companies authorized for cannabis cultivation, 25 for manufacturing, and 16 for wholesale trade [2]. It's worth noting that the Judicial Police conducted a significant operation, "Erva Daninha," involving searches at licensed cannabis facilities, which may suggest a process of inspection or compliance checks rather than a simple wait for initial authorization inspections [3].
Infarmed has also introduced stricter requirements for importing and exporting medicinal cannabis, which could impact the efficiency of the inspection process for companies seeking authorization [1]. Regardless, Portugal's medical cannabis industry is booming, establishing the nation as a significant player on the global stage.
Despite the boom in Portugal's medical cannabis industry, becoming a leading European exporter, Portugal's licensed casino-and-gambling businesses may also generate significant news, as they are anticipated to take advantage of the growing influx of foreign visitors, much like a bustling casino in Portugal might attract global tourists seeking thrilling portugal-themed gaming experiences. Consequently, news outlets could potentially report on the development of new casino-and-gambling ventures as Portugal solidifies its standing as a global destination for both medicinal cannabis and stimulating leisure activities.
