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Regulatory Hierarchy

Portuguese regulatory structure for medicinal cannabis

Regulatory Structure Verified 2026-04-20

Workflow steps

  1. INFARMED — Autoridade Nacional do Medicamento e Produtos de Saúde
    Primary regulator. Issues cultivation, manufacturing, import, and export licenses. Issues EU-GMP Part I certificates — Portugal is an EEA authority. Oversees pharmaceutical-grade cannabis access under Law 33/2018.
    • Cultivation/manufacturing/import/export licenses
    • EU-GMP Part I certification and inspections
    • Pharmacovigilance
    • Narcotic import/export licensing
  2. Ministry of Health — Ministério da Saúde
    Sets national cannabis access policy. Oversees INFARMED. Law 33/2018 legalized medical cannabis in Portugal.
    • National medicinal cannabis policy
    • Oversight of INFARMED
    • EU treaty obligations
  3. Licensed Producers — Tilray Portugal, Aurora Portugal, others
    Major export sector. Portugal is a MAJOR EXPORTER of medicinal cannabis — large EU-GMP certified cultivation and processing sector. Climate advantage: outdoor cultivation, lowest production costs in EU. Exports to EU, UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, Israel.
    • INFARMED cultivation/manufacturing license
    • EU-GMP Part I certification
    • GACP certification for cultivation
    • Export authorization per shipment
  4. Pharmacies / Hospitals — Dispensing via SSN
    Dispensing against physician prescription. SSN (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) coverage limited but growing. Domestically registered products dispensed at pharmacies and hospital pharmacies.
    • Portuguese pharmacy license
    • Physician prescription required
    • Narcotic dispensing register
  5. Patients — End recipients
    Receive medicinal cannabis via prescription at pharmacies and hospitals. SSN coverage limited but expanding.
Import Authorization