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Portugal’s Cannabis Exports Surge

Portugal has shattered new records by exporting over 18 tonnes of flower and extracts in the first nine months of 2024. By year-end, exports are set to exceed 25 tonnes, cementing the Lusitan position as the world’s second-largest cannabis exporter, trailing only behind Canada.

This success is built on Portuguese core strengths:

Exceptional natural and human conditions
Strategic role as a supply hub for EU market access
️ Adaptative regulations supporting diverse business models

However, a significant gap remains: the very limited domestic access. Only a few hundred packages are distributed monthly, and prescriptions have dropped 33% in the last reported period.

Despite a population of just 10 million, building sustainable local demand is essential to reduce risks, diversify revenue streams, accelerate innovation, and drive synergies in patient care, clinical research, and product development.

Portugal’s success will continue to be export-driven for the foreseeable future, with European trading partners leading the way:

Germany: Nearly half of Portugal’s exports head to Germany, with the April 1st legalisation boost driving demand for Portuguese products.

United Kingdom: It is estimated that around a fifth of Portuguese produce is bound for the growing UK market.

Poland: Portugal supplies about a sixth of its exports to Poland, with a surge in new product registrations.

Additional, albeit smaller markets for Portuguese production include Australia and Israel, while Spain plays a critical supply chain role through Curaleaf’s manufacturing facility and the irradiation plant of Ionisos.

Portugal’s dynamic regulatory framework has spurred innovation, fostering almost 50 licensed entities with a variety of business models: