In 2023, Portugal exported a significant amount of cannabis, with 11 tonnes being sent abroad. However, only a small fraction of this amount, 17 kg, was sold within the country’s borders. This disparity in the export and domestic sale of cannabis highlights a discrepancy in the cannabis market within Portugal. Despite the legalization of cannabis within the country, many patients are still turning to the black market to obtain the plant for medical purposes. This suggests that there may be barriers to accessing legal cannabis within Portugal, resulting in patients seeking alternative sources to meet their medical needs.
The fact that Portugal exported a considerable amount of cannabis while only a minimal amount was sold domestically raises questions about the accessibility of legal cannabis within the country. It indicates that there may be challenges or limitations in the distribution and availability of legal cannabis products within Portugal. This disparity also suggests that there may be a disconnect between the supply and demand of cannabis within the country, leading to patients seeking cannabis through illegal channels. This highlights a potential issue within the cannabis market in Portugal that may need to be addressed to ensure that patients have access to legal and safe cannabis products.
The reliance on the black market for cannabis among patients in Portugal, despite the plant being legal in the country, underscores the need for improvements in the access and availability of legal cannabis products. Patients resorting to illegal means to obtain cannabis for medical purposes may face risks associated with unregulated products and criminal activity. Enhancing the legal cannabis market in Portugal could not only improve access for patients but also help to address issues related to the black market trade of cannabis. By creating a more accessible and regulated cannabis market, Portugal has the opportunity to better serve the needs of patients while also promoting safety and compliance within the industry.
The discrepancy between Portugal’s export and domestic sale of cannabis may also reflect differences in demand for cannabis products within the country compared to overseas markets. This suggests that there may be unique factors influencing the consumption and distribution of cannabis in Portugal that differ from other countries. Understanding these factors could help to inform strategies for optimizing the cannabis market within Portugal and ensuring that patients have access to high-quality and regulated products. By identifying and addressing the specific needs and preferences of patients in Portugal, the country can work towards building a more sustainable and effective cannabis market that meets the needs of its population.
In light of the challenges associated with accessing legal cannabis in Portugal, there may be opportunities for the government, industry stakeholders, and healthcare providers to collaborate on solutions that improve the availability and quality of cannabis products for patients. This could involve initiatives to streamline the production and distribution of cannabis, as well as efforts to educate both patients and healthcare providers about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for medical purposes. By working together to address barriers to accessing legal cannabis, stakeholders in Portugal can help to ensure that patients have access to safe and regulated products that meet their medical needs. This collaborative approach could also help to reduce the reliance on the black market for cannabis, promoting a more secure and transparent cannabis market in the country.
Overall, the disparity between Portugal’s export and domestic sale of cannabis highlights the complexities and challenges within the country’s cannabis market. By addressing barriers to accessing legal cannabis and improving the availability of regulated products, Portugal has the opportunity to provide better support for patients seeking cannabis for medical purposes. This could lead to a more sustainable and efficient cannabis market in the country, benefiting both patients and industry stakeholders. Through collaboration and innovation, Portugal can work towards achieving a balanced and effective cannabis market that meets the needs of its population while promoting safety, compliance, and accessibility.
