Big Source of Illicit Cannabis, Albania Mulls Legalising Medical Use

Yet, even with 22 countries in Europe already allowing the use of cannabis for medical purposes, Albania's announcement has raised eyebrows.

Backers of the idea say that the Balkan country, hit by a devastating earthquake in November last year and braced for a severe economic downturn due to COVID-19, should grab its slice of a global medical cannabis market worth more than $16 billion last year.

Others are wary, however, pointing out that for almost three decades Albania has been one of the biggest producers of illicit cannabis in Europe. The government bill is expected to contain mechanisms to help reduce unlawful production, but many fear the initiative risks sending the wrong message and further encouraging illegality.

Electoral ploy?

Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama. Photo: EPA-EFE/SERGEI ILNITSKY

Having taken power in 2013, Rama made a powerful statement of intent when police the following year launched a massive operation to root out cannabis production in the notorious southern village of Lazarat, where hundreds of tonnes were being churned out every year, and later in the northern Dukagjin Highland area, another cannabis hotspot.

The raids made headlines around the world, but cannabis cultivation elsewhere in Albania did not stop. In fact, critics of the government's drugs policy said production had increased. Prosecutors and the opposition warned of collusion between the police, politicians and drug gangs.

Over the last three years, figures suggest the cultivation of illicit cannabis has dropped, but Rama's political opponents say his plan to legalise medical cannabis is ill thought-out. Some see a cynical ploy to win the votes of the many Albanians involved in the illicit...