Until now, only one cannabis-based preparation was available on the market, which consists of dried flowers of the 'Cannabis sativa' plant, containing 18% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and less than 1% cannabidiol (CBD).

In a written response to Lusa, the National Authority for Medicine and Health Products stated that “three new Marketing Authorisations (ACM) for cannabis-based preparations for medicinal purposes were approved”.

The use of these products depends on clinical assessment, carried out by a doctor, in relation to the approved therapeutic indications and their sale can only be carried out at the pharmacy upon presentation of a medical prescription.

Indications for the use of these products include chronic pain associated with oncological diseases, epilepsy and treatment of severe convulsive disorders in childhood, multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, appetite stimulation in palliative care for patients undergoing oncological treatment or with AIDS.

The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has been permitted in Portugal since 2019.