Albania

Medical cannabis is prohibited in Albania. Severe criminal penalties may apply for possession, use, or trafficking.

Albania strictly prohibits cannabis under its Criminal Code and anti-narcotics legislation. Despite this, Albania has been one of Europe's largest illicit cannabis producers, with large-scale outdoor cultivation historically concentrated in the southern village of Lazarat. The government has conducted major eradication campaigns since 2014 with EU and Italian law enforcement support.

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Regulator

Albanian State Police; Ministry of Interior

Key Legislation

Criminal Code of Albania

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

Possession of cannabis for personal use can result in fines or up to 5 years imprisonment; cultivation and trafficking carry sentences of 5 to 15 years
The village of Lazarat in southern Albania was notorious as a major cannabis production hub until a large-scale police raid in 2014 dismantled operations
Albania has received significant EU assistance and Italian Guardia di Finanza support for cannabis eradication and anti-trafficking operations
Despite crackdowns, Albania remains a transit and source country for cannabis destined for EU markets, particularly Italy and Greece
There is no public reform movement or legislative effort toward decriminalization or medical cannabis legalization in Albania

Key Legislation

Criminal Code of Albania (Law No. 7895/1995, amended); Law No. 8279/1998 on Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances

Regulatory Body

Albanian State Police; Ministry of Interior

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Europe

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

Albanian Ministry of Interior

Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis regulations change frequently. Always verify with official sources and local legal counsel before making compliance decisions.