Spain is gaining attention in the medical cannabis industry. With an impressive 53% increase in legal production in the past year, the Iberian country has climbed to become the seventh global power in this field. According to data provided by the Ministry of Health, a production of 36 tons of medicinal cannabis is expected in 2024, mainly destined for export due to the lack of internal regulation allowing therapeutic use in the country.
Increase in medical cannabis production
Despite the absence of national regulation allowing access to medical cannabis for Spanish patients, the constant increase in production has been noticeable. The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) has overseen a significant increase in authorised crops for research or medical manufacturing purposes in recent years. This progressive growth has placed Spain among the seven leading legal producers of medical cannabis worldwide.
This achievement is even more remarkable when considering that Spain is the only country among the major producers of medical cannabis that lacks internal regulation for its therapeutic use. The current legislation dates back to 1967, enacted during the era of dictator Francisco Franco, and only allows authorised cultivation for specific purposes, without considering its medical application within the country.
