Licensing is underway in Portugal, although the competition is as fierce as it is in many other markets. The government changes rules, slowly, then opens up the gates and then everyone rushes (or tries to rush in).
The interesting thing about Portugal right now from an international perspective (certainly in Europe) is how the country is starting to pivot to cannabis production that is licensed, medical, and bound for export.
But how will freewheeling, “all drugs are decriminalized” Portugal really stack up against other contenders moving into this space, such as Spain, Greece, Poland and (North) Macedonia? They all have great weather, cheap labour rates (or at least cheaper than Germany and the UK), and are closer to Europe than Canada, Latin America, or Africa.
Is freewheeling Portugal really all its cracked up to be? Not really, and politically the current temperature is bound for a backlash. It is one thing to decriminalize all drugs. It is another thing to deal with those who use them irresponsibly.
Read more at internationalcbc.com