22
Fri, Sep
47 New Articles

Lights, Camera, Cannabis: Jim Belushi’s Documentary Explores Cannabis Legalization in Albania

Lights, Camera, Cannabis: Jim Belushi’s Documentary Explores Cannabis Legalization in Albania

Serbia
Tools
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

American actor Jim Belushi met with the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to discuss the Albanian government’s initiative to legalize cannabis and the possibilities of exporting this product for medical purposes.

In the season finale of the documentary series “Growing Belushi” (which aired on 10 May 2023), Prime Minister Rama outlines how his government is preparing legislation to legalize medical cannabis in Albania. Furthermore, he urged Belushi to be a pioneer in the cannabis business in Albania, by encouraging him to set a positive example of how the development of this business can be beneficial to the Albanian economy and people.

Albania has favorable climate for cannabis cultivation, and it has been estimated that outdoor cannabis can be grown between six to seven months out of the year with no environmental issues.

In mid-2022, the Albanian government announced the plan to legalize the cultivation of medical cannabis and industrial hemp for companies which have such experience in European countries. The draft law proposed that applicants who wish to cultivate and process medical cannabis must hold another similar license in an OECD country and a Good Manufacturing Practice from the European Medicines Agency or Food and Drug Administration. The draft law also foresees the establishment of a national agency for the control and monitoring of the cultivation and processing of the cannabis plant for medical and industrial purposes, as well as the production of its by – products (“Agency”). Following the proposal of the Minister of Health and Social Protection, the Council of Ministers would grant cannabis manufacturing licenses for 15 years, with an option for renewal. According to the draft law, the activities to be carried out cannot be assigned to third parties, unless otherwise provided in the prescription of the license.

Further to the above, the draft law provides for the establishment of an Industrial Hemp Processor Register, which will be administered by the Line Ministry of Agriculture and grant access to the Agency and to the Line Ministry for Public Order and Security. Any farmer, entrepreneur and/or legal entity intending to cultivate industrial hemp must be registered with the Industrial Hemp Processor Register and equipped with a cultivation permit issued by the Ministry responsible for agriculture. The permit is issued for a 5-year period, with an option for renewal.

The draft law was published for public consultation in 2022 but until now no further steps have been taken for its adoption.

By Veton Qoku, Partner and Ermal Mema, Associate, Karanovic & Partners

Serbia Knowledge Partner

Committed to redefining a law firm's role in an emerging regional market, Gecić Law is a full-service law firm that advises international and local clients from the public and private sectors in navigating the complex legal landscape of the region across multiple practice areas. Members of the Gecić Law team have graduated from leading universities in the US and Europe. They have extensive local and international experience, with a particular focus on EU regulatory frameworks and international trade and a proven track record in providing innovative and practical solutions in the most complex of matters.

Gecić Law is an exclusive member of two leading global alliances, TerraLex and TAGLaw, extending its international footprint. The firm and its lawyers have continuously been recognized in several practice areas by elite global directories, including The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners and Benchmark Litigation. Gecić Law was named Law Firm of the Year: South Eastern Europe 2021 and Law Firm of the Year: Eastern Europe and the Balkans 2020 at The Lawyer European Awards and was repeatedly nominated in other practice areas.

For more details, please visit geciclaw.com.

 

Our Latest Issue