Albania Greenlights 17 Areas for Legal Cannabis Cultivation

Tirana – The Albanian government has officially approved 17 cadastral areas where cannabis cultivation for industrial purposes will be permitted. The decision, published Wednesday in the Official Gazette, outlines specific zones in the municipalities of Shkodra and Malesi e Madhe where legal cultivation can take place.

According to Decision No. 149, dated March 6, 2025, the Council of Ministers has designated these areas under Law No. 61/2023 on “The control of cannabis cultivation and processing for medical and industrial purposes”. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in coordination with other government bodies, will oversee the implementation of this decision.

Approved Cultivation Zones

The decision defines 11 areas in the Local Unit of Gruemire in Malesi e Madhe Municipality:
Boric i Madh
Boric i Vogel
Gjorme
Grude Fushe
Gruemire
Ktosh
Meshqerre
Omare
Rrash-Kullaj
Vajush
Vorfe
Additionally, six areas are located in the Local Unit of Postribe in Shkodra Municipality:
Boks
Dragoc
Kullaj
Grude e Re
Guci e Re
Hot i Ri

Map of the approved areas, Credit: The Official Gazette

Regulatory Oversight and Implementation

According to the decision, the cultivation of cannabis for industrial purposes in these zones must comply with the regulations outlined in Decision No. 50, dated January 22, 2025. This decision outlines the standards for land parcels where cannabis cultivation will be permitted for medical and industrial use.
The implementation of this initiative will be monitored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Interior, and the National Agency for Cannabis Control.
Based on the decision, only authorized entities will be allowed to engage in cultivation activities within the approved zones.
This decision marks a significant step in Albania’s efforts to regulate and develop the industrial cannabis sector while providing strict compliance with legal and safety standards. The government aims to attract investment in this emerging industry while maintaining control over production and distribution.
The decision takes effect immediately following its publication in the Official Gazette.

Source: The Official Gazette, Issue 49