Cannabis Laws in North Macedonia

North Macedonia legalized medical cannabis in 2016, becoming one of the first countries in the Balkans to establish a formal medical cannabis framework. The legislation allows for the cultivation, processing, and export of cannabis for medical purposes, and the government has issued numerous licenses to domestic and international companies. The country's favorable climate and lower production costs have attracted significant interest from cannabis industry investors.

The medical cannabis industry has become an important part of North Macedonia's economic development strategy, with the government viewing it as an opportunity to attract foreign investment and create jobs. Several large-scale cultivation and processing facilities have been established, primarily focused on export to EU markets. However, domestic patient access remains relatively limited, and recreational cannabis continues to be illegal with criminal penalties for possession.