The History of Medicinal Cannabis in Portugal: Past, Present and Future

The history of medicinal cannabis in Portugal is a narrative rich in scientific advances, regulatory challenges and an evolution of public perceptions . In this blog, we embark on a journey through time to explore how medicinal cannabis gained prominence in the country, from its ancestral roots to the current scenario.

Join us on this journey through the past and present of medicinal cannabis in Portugal.

Historical Roots:

• Traditional Use: Cannabis has been used in Portugal for centuries, both for medicinal and industrial purposes. Historical records indicate that the plant's therapeutic properties were recognized and valued in popular medicine.

Scientific Advances and Challenges:

• Modern Discoveries: Starting in the 20th century, science began to investigate the compounds in cannabis, including cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, which have therapeutic properties. In this period, as drug prohibition laws spread globally, medical cannabis also caused restrictions in Portugal and social stigma increased.

• Challenging Regulation: The evolution of medicinal cannabis regulation in Portugal has had challenges and obstacles . The country sought to balance the need for access to specific treatments with legal and safety concerns.

• Scientific Rediscovery : In recent decades, medical cannabis has re-emerged as an area of ​​scientific and medical interest . Portugal was not left behind in this movement, research into the medical benefits of cannabis gained momentum.

A Paradigm Shift:

• Decriminalization in 2001 : Portugal became a pioneer in decriminalizing drug use in 2001, including cannabis. This paved the way for broader discussions about the legalization of medical cannabis .

• Legalization in 2018 : In 2018, Portugal legalized the use of medicinal cannabis for specific treatments . This allowed patients with certain medical conditions to access medical cannabis products under medical supervision.

Although growing cannabis sativa for recreational purposes is illegal, it is permitted for industrial purposes, with regulations updated in August 2020 .
To grow cannabis for medicinal purposes, it is necessary to obtain authorization from Infarmed.

In 2018, the Assembly of the Republic approved law nº33/2018 , which defined the legal framework for the use of cannabis-based products for medicinal purposes. Decree-Law No. 8/2019 regulates this law, with the aim of making medical cannabis treatments accessible, while ensuring compliance with strict requirements to protect public health and prevent misuse.

Walking into the Future:

• Research and Innovation : Portugal's scientific and medical community is increasingly motivated to explore the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis across a range of health conditions, driving research and innovation in the field.

• Recognized Benefits: Medical cannabis has been shown to be a promising option for treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety and more, contributing to improvements in patients' quality of life.

• The Importance of Education: With growing awareness about the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, education becomes critical for healthcare professionals and patients to make informed decisions.

The history of medicinal cannabis in Portugal is a reflection of the paradigm shift in relation to natural medicine.
As society continues to learn and understand the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis, new treatment opportunities and health improvements are emerging.

At TABU we are committed to the present and the future, educating our consumers is at the basis of our values ​​and that is why we intend to continue opening new doors to better understand the benefits of this plant.

You can find high quality products, in line with this evolution and committed to well-being in our store! We are here to support your journey to a healthier and more balanced life.

Scientific Bases and other articles for you to explore:

• https://sapientia.ualg.pt/bitstream/10400.1/19393/1/Disserta%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20Can%C3%A1bis%20Medicinal%20-%20a%20realidade%20em%20Portugal%20%28Carolina %20Cardeira%29.pdf
• https://observador.pt/2019/04/24/dentro-da-primeira-fabrica-de-canabis-medicinal-em-portugal/
• https://www.infarmed.pt/web/infarmed/canabis-medicinal