Albania Introduces Stringent Regulations for Cannabis Oversight
Albania has introduced a new framework to regulate the supervision, control, and inspection of licensed cannabis activities, including medical and industrial cannabis-derived products. The new rules establish a comprehensive oversight system, covering every stage of the cannabis production chain, from seed importation to export.
The framework sets out procedures for continuous monitoring, including risk assessments, official registers, and tracking systems. Inspectors will conduct regular checks, with the ability to carry out unannounced inspections when necessary. The National Cannabis Control Agency will have real-time access to operators’ surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras, to ensure compliance.
The new rules place a strong emphasis on traceability, requiring every movement, transfer, and change of status to be recorded in official registers and tracking systems. Operators will be accountable for the accuracy and timeliness of the data, and any discrepancies will be documented and addressed.
The cultivation process will be closely monitored, from planting to harvesting. Inspectors will verify that cultivation takes place only in approved areas and that seeds, seedlings, and clones are authorized and properly documented. The movement of cannabis-related materials will also be tracked, and operators will be required to notify the agency before a planned harvest.
During drying and processing, inspectors will verify facilities, environmental conditions, and the recording of every movement of the material. The new regulations aim to create a continuous monitoring and traceability framework, covering the entire cannabis production chain from seed importation to export.
