Full-Service Cannabis Consulting Tailored to Portugal's Unique Market Needs
Catalyst BC offers comprehensive guidance and solutions, customized to help your business thrive in Portugal’s regulated cannabis industry. Contact us today to get started!
About Portugal
Portugal, located in southwestern Europe, is known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture. With a population of approximately 10 million, the country is a popular destination for tourists drawn to its warm climate, historic architecture, and world-renowned cuisine. The capital city, Lisbon, and the northern city of Porto are hubs for culture and commerce.
Portugal is recognized for its progressive drug policies, including decriminalization efforts that have garnered global attention. The country has a growing economy, with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. Its scenic landscapes, from the Algarve to the Douro Valley, make Portugal a prime destination for relaxation and investment.
Legal Status of Cannabis in Portugal
In Portugal, cannabis use for medical purposes was legalized in 2018, allowing the prescription of cannabis-based products for therapeutic conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. The cultivation, manufacture, and distribution of medical cannabis are strictly regulated by Infarmed, the Portuguese National Authority of Medicines and Health Products, ensuring compliance with national and EU standards.
Medical cannabis products must be prescribed by a healthcare professional and are dispensed only in licensed pharmacies. Recreational cannabis use, while still illegal, has been decriminalized since 2001 as part of Portugal’s progressive drug policy. Possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis or 5 grams of hashish for personal use is not a criminal offense but is subject to administrative penalties such as fines or counseling referrals.
Catalyst BC, in alignment with the county’s efforts, provides Portuguese hemp and cannabis cultivators, farmers, businesses, and suppliers extensive seed-to-sale support including licensing and applications, business strategy, financial planning, start-up support and more.
Legal Status of Hemp Farming in Portugal
Hemp cultivation in Portugal is legal but strictly regulated, primarily for industrial and medical purposes. Farmers intending to grow hemp must obtain a license from the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) and comply with European Union regulations, which mandate that the THC content in hemp crops must not exceed 0.3%.
The Portuguese government also requires hemp cultivators to use certified seeds from the EU’s official list and to maintain records verifying compliance. Industrial hemp is commonly used for textiles, construction materials, and bioplastics, while its non-intoxicating extracts, such as CBD, are gaining popularity in the health and wellness market. Despite hemp’s legal status, cultivation areas are inspected to ensure compliance, and products derived from hemp are subject to rigorous quality controls.
Navigating the Complexities of Operating a Cannabis or Hemp Business in Portugal
Operating a cannabis business in Portugal requires navigating a unique regulatory landscape.
Catalyst BC provides expert guidance to help Portugal based businesses comply with EU and local laws. From Business Strategy, Financial Planning, Licensing & Applications, Facility Design, Startup Support, Operational Optimization, Genetic Development, and Cannabis Business Turnaround, we ensure your business is positioned for success. Book your complimentary consultation now.
Free eBook: Starting A Legal Cannabis Business
Discover the secrets to building a thriving cannabis business with our free eBook, Starting a Legal Cannabis Business: From Formation to Acquisition! This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of launching and scaling a cannabis business, from navigating regulations and securing licenses to optimizing operations and planning your exit strategy. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an experienced operator, this resource is packed with expert insights to help you succeed in this dynamic industry. Download your free copy today and take the first step toward cannabis business success!
Other Services
Business Strategy
Collaborative efforts to create a personalized and comprehensive business and operational plans tailored to your market, resources, and vision.
Financial Planning
Strategy and creation of a bespoke financial model based on historical inputs specific to selected corporate structure, facilities, and market conditions.
Licensing & Applications
Catalyst has secured over 57 licenses in merit-based and highly competitive application and RFP processes with a win rate of nearly 96%
Facility Design
Design-assist aligns designs and calculations with proven methods, equipment, and systems successfully used in world-class facilities.
Startup Support
Proven expertise and track record of supporting licensed and conditionally licensed businesses from build-out to operational excellence.
Genetic Development
Design and implement propagation and breeding programs that produce unique and proprietary cultivars that maximize productivity and profitability.
Business Turnaround
Our team brings over 60 years of regulated cannabis industry experience, expertly assessing situations, crafting strategies, and achieving client goals.
Operational Optimization
Catalyst's team of experts provides guidance and support for all types of cannabis business, including cultivation, retail, extraction, distribution, and delivery
Contact Us
Enough about us. We want to hear more about you, your project, and your vision! Get in touch with a real live person today. Don’t worry, we don’t have a long, confusing phone menu, and your email isn’t going to the abyss, we promise. At Catalyst, we provide the service and support we’d want to experience ourselves!