At a time when the cannabis sector in Portugal faces significant regulatory and operational challenges, several industry companies have come together to create an entity to represent their interests. Thus, APIC – the Association of Cannabis Industry Producers – was born, bringing together approximately 13 companies licensed by Infarmed yesterday at the non-profit organization’s first Open Assembly, held at the Altis Hotel in Lisbon. Created with the mission of “representing the industry before regulatory bodies and policymakers, ensuring continuous and constructive dialogue,” APIC essentially aims to protect its interests and promote the medicinal cannabis industry in Portugal and internationally.
“We believe that unity and collaboration among operators will be crucial to ensuring the sustainability and growth of the cannabis industry in Portugal. The establishment of APIC represents a fundamental step toward strengthening and affirming our industry,” said Jorge Godinho, CEO of Herdade das Barrocas and one of the Association’s founders, during the first Open Assembly, to which CannaReporter® was invited. The businessman also highlighted the “complex” moment the industry is currently experiencing in Portugal, where “profound” transformations are taking place.
The result of the effort and alignment of several companies in the sector, which previously lacked any official channel to represent them before the authorities and the government, the association was formally established on July 9, 2025, with the aim of consolidating a strong and representative voice for the cannabis industry in Portugal.
According to the association, APIC was created with a clear and comprehensive mission:
- Represent the industry before regulatory bodies and policymakers, ensuring continuous and constructive dialogue;
- Promote cooperation and knowledge sharing between companies in the sector;
- Promote best practices, quality and innovation in production and processing;
- Provide technical support to members and defend common interests before national and international institutions;
- Contribute to the sustainable development of the industry and the promotion of medicinal cannabis as a strategic sector for Portugal.
The Open Assembly’s agenda included the official presentation of APIC, the mission framework, objectives, areas of intervention, and an open debate with the companies present to hear suggestions and contributions.
“Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and position Portugal as a European leader in medicinal cannabis,” said Godinho, adding: “Our legitimate interests are quite specific, and institutional representation of our interests and our thinking with the authorities is necessary. There is no other objective than to advance this industry. Having a voice that benefits everyone is a sign of the sector’s maturity,” he said.
Elsa Pereira, managing partner of CannPrisma, based in Castro Marim, Algarve, and also one of the founders of APIC, warned that it is urgent to “defend our interests and our jobs.” Pereira also noted that CannPrisma currently employs around 200 people, but with the six-week delay in receiving certificates, she had to lay off 6 people and lost thousands of euros in transactions.
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