Medical Cannabis Prescription in Portugal

PortugalProgram Active

How to get a medical cannabis prescription in Portugal. Guide to qualifying conditions, pharmacy access, costs, and the prescription process under Portuguese law.

View all European medical cannabis guides →Medical cannabis conditions →

Program Details

Average Cost
€8–€15/g
Year Established
2018
Prescription
Required
InsuranceNot Covered
Online ConsultNot Available
Pharmacy AccessAvailable
Program StatusActive

Overview

Portugal legalized medical cannabis in 2018 through Law No. 33/2018, establishing a framework for prescriptions, production, and commercialization. The country is known internationally for its progressive drug policy, having decriminalized all drugs for personal use in 2001. Medical cannabis prescriptions can be written by any licensed physician.

Portugal has also become a significant cannabis cultivation hub in Europe, with companies like Tilray operating large-scale greenhouse facilities. The favorable climate and EU membership make Portugal an attractive location for producers targeting the European medical market. However, domestic patient uptake has been slower than expected, partly due to lack of insurance coverage and limited physician awareness.

Key Facts

How to Get a Prescription: Step-by-Step

1Visit your physician (médico assistente) or a specialist. Any licensed doctor in Portugal can prescribe medical cannabis.
2The doctor evaluates your condition and documents that conventional treatments have been tried. A medical justification for cannabis therapy is prepared.
3The doctor writes a prescription for an authorized cannabis-based product. Portugal has approved both domestic and imported products.
4Fill the prescription at a licensed pharmacy (farmácia). Products include oils, capsules, and preparations for vaporization.
5Return for follow-up consultations to monitor your treatment and obtain prescription renewals.

Qualifying Conditions

+Chronic pain
+Multiple sclerosis spasticity
+Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
+Epilepsy (treatment-resistant)
+Tourette syndrome
+Glaucoma

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any doctor prescribe medical cannabis in Portugal?+
Yes, any licensed physician in Portugal can prescribe medical cannabis. There is no specialist-only restriction, though patients may find that specialists in pain medicine or neurology are more familiar with cannabis-based treatments.
Is drug use decriminalized in Portugal?+
Yes, Portugal decriminalized the personal use of all drugs in 2001. This means that possession of small amounts for personal use is treated as an administrative offense rather than a criminal one. This is separate from the medical cannabis program, which provides legal prescriptions.
How much does medical cannabis cost in Portugal?+
Prices range from €8 to €15 per gram in pharmacies. There is no public health insurance coverage, so patients pay the full cost. Some private insurance plans may offer partial coverage depending on the policy.

Medical Cannabis in Other European Countries

Explore medical cannabis prescription guides for other European countries with active programs.

France
Est. 2021
Free (covered under the experiment)
Italy
Est. 2013
€8–€15/g (free in some regions via SSN)
Germany
Est. 2017
€5–€15/g
Netherlands
Est. 2003
€6–€12/g
Luxembourg
Est. 2018
€8–€15/g (partial reimbursement available)

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Cannabis laws and medical programs in Portugal are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with Portugal's official health authority and consult with a qualified health care provider before pursuing medical cannabis treatment. Cannabismarketcap does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented.