Cannabis is not legal in Portugal, but it is not illegal either. This means that the use and possession of cannabis are still considered a criminal offense, but there are no penalties for personal amounts (amounts under 10 grams). It also means that those who possess more significant amounts of marijuana will avoid jail time by paying a fine instead. The Portuguese government has decriminalized drug use because they believe it is more effective than imprisonment for reducing addiction rates and improving public health. In addition, they have recognized the benefits of medical cannabis. Therefore, they have legalized its use in some cases with a prescription from your doctor. As a result, Portugal medical cannabis has continued to rise with no signs of slowing down.

What is medical cannabis, and how does it work?

Cannabis is a plant that can and has been used for medicinal purposes worldwide. It’s been shown to help with pain relief, anxiety, and other medical conditions. Medical cannabis includes dried flowers or extracts from the marijuana plant and products made from oils, edibles, or skin creams. Research on how cannabis affects our bodies continue, but in states where it’s legal, people use it to treat symptoms of AIDS/HIV; cancer; Crohn’s disease; epilepsy and seizures (especially among children); glaucoma; muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis; PTSD and chronic pain. There are also conditions like anorexia nervosa, which might benefit from the effects of cannabis’ appetite stimulant properties. 

The history of Portugal’s legal status of medical cannabis

The history of Portugal’s legal status of medical cannabis is a long and winding one. It started with the Portuguese government recognizing that marijuana was not as harmful as other drugs, like cocaine, regarding its addictive properties. This began to change around 2001 when Portugal became a signatory to the United Nations’ Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs from 1961. They were then legally obligated to criminalize possession for personal use and consumption. So what changed? In 1999 there was an increase in HIV/AIDS-related pneumonia where patients had complications because they were smoking too much weed instead of eating it or taking pills. After this incident, doctors asked for more leniency on behalf of their patients suffering from AIDS-related diseases or those recovering from other conditions.

Current status of cannabis in Portugal

Cannabis in Portugal is currently legal for medical and recreational purposes. It’s been decriminalized since 2001, with the punishment being either a fine or community service rather than jail time. In 2013, laws were passed to regulate its production, distribution, and sale. The law allows up to five grams of cannabis per person – which must be used privately in places not accessible by others – and growing up to two plants at home without any risk of criminal prosecution. Smoking cannabis in public is still illegal and punishable by fines ranging from $50-$250 (or 10-30 days imprisonment). Cultivation outside the private sphere carries a penalty of six months to three years imprisonment plus fines ranging from $1,000-$2,500.

How to get a prescription for medical marijuana in Portugal

In Portugal, you can get a medical marijuana prescription if you have one of the following conditions: cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. To receive this medication from pharmacies, you must be at least 18 years old and provide a certificate of diagnosis from your doctor. Additionally, cannabis is only available for purchase through pharmacists registered with the Portuguese Health Ministry to distribute medical products. 

Conclusion

Portugal has shown a progressive attitude towards cannabis and its usage for medical purposes. If you are looking to travel abroad, be sure to research the legal status of medical cannabis in other countries before heading overseas.

How do you use cannabis to treat dog problems, and what kind of problems can it treat? VICE talks to a pet owner on their experience in using cannabis for treating their dogs anxiety.

If you’re looking for a quality cannabis dispensary in Washington state, there are many important factors to consider. You want to know what type of cannabis they sell, its quality, and if they have other products that will meet your needs. If these things seem daunting or too much for one person to handle alone, then this blog post on how to find the best cannabis dispensary in Washington state should help you out tremendously! Let’s dive in.

1. Accessibility – is the dispensary in a location that’s easy to get to, or do you have to go through sketchy neighborhoods? 

Make sure that the dispensary is in an area that is easily accessible and one that feels secure and safe to visit. Suppose the dispensary is located in an area that is less than desirable. In that case, this could be a telltale sign that the dispensary is not legitimate or does not care about the comfort and safety of its customers. If that is the case, there is a good chance that the products offered would also not be up to par.

2. Selection – does the dispensary offer a wide variety of products and strains, or are they limited? 

There is nothing worse than visiting a cannabis dispensary to find they have a minimal selection of products. When it comes to the cannabis experience, it’s always good to have a wide selection of strains and supporting products to maximize the chance of getting the right product for your desired tastes or needs.

3. Professionalism – do employees seem knowledgeable about cannabis and interested in helping customers find what they need? 

This might seem simple, but when you visit a dispensary in Washington state, you will want to form a relationship with the budtenders and gauge how well they can address your needs or concerns. Budtenders who are professional and knowledgeable about the products they offer will ensure you will get things that work well for you.

4. Cleanliness – is the dispensary clean and well-organized, or are there piles of trash on the floor and dust everywhere?

This ties into the professionalism point above. A legit cannabis dispensary will make sure to have their operations spotless, both from a legality standpoint as well as their physical location and assets. Look for well-organized product displays and offerings. Ensure the floors are clean, the shelves and products are dust-free, and follow cleanliness protocols mandated by the CDC during the ongoing pandemic.

5. Safety – how safe does it feel when you’re inside?

You can start by looking for security cameras in and out of the location. Another indicator of a secure and safe dispensary is a separate lobby or waiting area. Often, the additional separation is enough to deter would-be robbers from running off with stash that doesn’t belong to them. 

6. Price point – how much will your purchase cost at this particular dispensary compared with other dispensaries nearby?

Along with quality, price is another essential factor to consider when looking for the best cannabis dispensary in Washington state. The price that comes with quality should be apparent; however, it does not need to break the bank. Look out for the dispensaries’ daily/weekly/monthly specials or any other type of promotions to take advantage of price discounts without sacrificing quality.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a quality cannabis dispensary in Washington State, look no further than Better Buds. They pride themselves on providing the best products at competitive prices to their customers. Their knowledgeable staff is always available to answer any questions or concerns that may arise during your visit, so don’t hesitate to ask when you visit!