-FAQ
Questions and answers
Summary answers to the most common questions about the AKKC, the licensing process, control and transparency.
1. What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the botanical family Cannabaceae, the same family to which hops (Humulus) belong. The nameCannabisitself is the Latinised form of the Greek word kánnabis (κάνναβις), an ancient term used to describe the plant and its fibres. The genus was first formally described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, who named the species Cannabis L. The abbreviation "L." following the scientific name indicates the author who classified the species, namely Linnaeus.Subsequently, additional species within this genus were described:
- Cannabis sativa L. ( Linnaeus, 1753 )
- Cannabis indica Lam. ( Lamarck, 1785 )
- Cannabis ruderalis Janisch. ( Janischewsky, 1924 )
2. What does Law No. 61/2023 regulate and what is the role of the National Agency for Cannabis Control?
The Law regulates the cultivation and processing of the cannabisplant and the production of its products and by-products exclusively for medical and industrial purposes, with the aim of exporting them, as well as the mechanisms for control, supervision, and traceability. The National Agency for CannabisCannabis Control (NACC) is the institution responsible for the supervision, control, and inspection of activities related to cannabis cannabisfor medical and industrial purposes.
3. What is the difference between medical cannabis and industrial cannabis?
Although both originate from the same plant, medical cannabisand industrial cannabis differ in their purpose, cultivation conditions, and legal regimes. Both activities are subject to licensing and permitting procedures, traceability, laboratory testing, and supervision by the competent authorities; however, specific requirements apply depending on the intended use of the product.
4. Is the use of cannabis legalised in the Republic of Albania?
The general use of cannabiscannabis has not been legalised in the Republic of Albania. However, Law No. 61/2023 permits the cultivation, processing, and production of cannabis products and by-products cannabisfor medical and industrial purposes, in accordance with the conditions, criteria, and procedures established by the applicable legislation. Such products and by-products are intended exclusively for export.
5. How is it ensured that the product is not diverted to the illicit market?
The entire process, from seed to product, is monitored through an integrated control system established under Law No. 61/2023 and its implementing by-laws. These measures are based on the "seed-to-sale control" principle, physical security, supervision, and control carried out through inspections conducted by the National Agency for Cannabis Control.
6. Who may obtain a licence or permit to carry out cannabis cultivation and production activities?
A licence or permit for carrying out cannabiscultivation and production activities may be granted to legal entities established in, accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Albania, which fulfil the conditions and criteria set out in Law No. 61/2023 and the by-laws adopted for its implementation.
7. Are licensed activities monitored after the licence has been granted?
The granting of a licence does not mark the end of the control process. Licensed entities are subject to continuous supervision, inspections, and controls by the National Agency for CannabisControl, in order to ensure compliance with the requirements established by the Law and the applicable by-laws. Licensed entities are required to implement traceability systems, electronic monitoring, physical security measures, and periodic reporting.
8. What is the traceability system?
The traceability system is an identification system used to accurately determine the location of medical and industrial cannabisplants, their by-products, and final products at every stage from cultivation to the final use, as well as to identify the holder at each stage.
9. Does the National Agency for Cannabis Control cooperate with other state institutions?
The Agency cooperates with other state institutions in carrying out its functions. This cooperation aims to ensure effective control, supervision, and implementation of the legal framework, as well as the exchange of information and inter-institutional coordination in relation to licensed and authorised activities.
10. What happens in the event of violations?
The Agency may impose progressive administrative measures, such as: fines, suspension of the activity, revocation of the license (its permanent withdrawal). Whereas, in the case of serious violations or diversion to the illegal market, criminal proceedings shall be initiated in accordance with the Criminal Code.
