As part of strengthening capacities and developing a regulatory framework in line with European standards, a delegation from the National Agency for Cannabis Control/ NACC, led by Assoc. Prof. Linda Pustina, along with members of the Licensing Commission, conducted a study visit to Germany from September 9-12, 2024, with the support of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ Albania). During the visit, the delegation held meetings with homologous institutions and key actors in the cannabis industry, such as:
- Global Partnership for Drug Policies and Development
- Federal Office of the Commissioner for Drugs and Addiction
- German Cannabis Agency
- Federal Opium Agency
- Industry experts
Field visits and observations were also conducted at the scientific laboratory of Merseburg University and the Hanffaser Geiseltal processing center.
The focus of the meetings was the presentation and familiarization with:
- The regulatory framework for medical and industrial cannabis in Germany.
- The GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices) standards applied in this country.
- Licensing processes, security, and oversight.
- Technologies and standards applied in the cultivation and production of cannabis.
- The industrial use of cannabis and its impact on the economic development of rural areas.
This visit marked an important step in establishing international partnerships and gaining the necessary knowledge to integrate the best standards for the development of this promising industry in Albania.
