Portugal exported more than 66 metric tons of cannabis for medical purposes during the first half of 2026, putting the country on pace to substantially surpass its previous annual record.
New data from Portugal’s National Authority of Medicines and Health Products shows that 66,305 kilograms, or approximately 66.3 metric tons, were exported between January and June. That is already about 83% of the 79,883 kilograms exported during all of 2025.
The figures mark another sharp increase for Portugal’s rapidly expanding medical cannabis industry. The country exported 31,188 kilograms in 2024 and 11,973 kilograms in 2023. Exports increased by approximately 156% from 2024 to 2025, after rising roughly 160% the year before.
During the first six months of 2026, exports averaged just over 11 metric tons per month, compared with roughly 6.7 metric tons per month throughout 2025. If the first-half pace continued through December, annual exports would exceed 132 metric tons, although that is an annualized projection rather than an official forecast.
Germany remained the largest destination, receiving 37,442 kilograms during the first half of the year. Spain received 11,386 kilograms, already more than twice the 5,303 kilograms it received during all of 2025. Denmark received 8,968 kilograms, compared with 5,785 kilograms for the entirety of last year. The European Union remains the primary market for Portugal’s medical cannabis exports.
Domestic medical cannabis use is also increasing. Infarmed recorded 5,413 prescriptions for authorized cannabis preparations and substances during the first half of 2026, already about 77% of the 7,023 prescriptions recorded throughout 2025. There were 4,143 prescriptions in 2024.
The growth has occurred alongside increased regulatory oversight. Infarmed conducted 32 inspections involving cannabis cultivation and manufacturing during the first half of 2026, after conducting 57 in 2025 and 38 in 2024. The agency says its oversight includes checking record accuracy, product traceability and the qualification of customers and suppliers.
