Cannabis regulators face many of the same challenges regardless of differences in legislation or institutional structure. The 2026 edition of the CANNRA External Stakeholder Meeting was built around this exchange of experience, bringing together regulatory authorities, scientific experts, universities, reference laboratories, and industry representatives from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Albania. The National Agency for Cannabis Control was represented by a delegation led by Director General Ms. Anila Alliu.
Over three days of discussions, participants addressed topics related to licensing, market oversight, laboratory testing, product safety, traceability systems, and the use of technology in regulatory supervision.
A significant part of the programme focused on the use of data to identify irregularities, strengthen laboratory oversight, and support evidence-based decision-making. Participants also reviewed recent developments in product standards, regulatory science, and mechanisms designed to improve transparency and accountability across the sector.
The meeting also provided opportunities to engage with regulatory authorities, academic institutions, and technology providers working on product traceability systems.
For Albania, the experience of jurisdictions that have spent years developing operational regulatory systems offers valuable insight as the country advances the implementation of Law No. 61/2023 and the establishment of new audit methodologies.
