The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and INFARMED recently published an update on the “Technical Note on Cannabis Waste Management”, concerning the handling of cannabis residues in Portugal, replacing the 2021 version. The new release largely follows the previous one, but introduces some important changes.

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For the treatment of plant residues, composting, anaerobic digestion and direct agricultural use continue to be the preferred options. One of the major changes refers to the exceptional cases, in which cannabis plant waste is sent for landfill disposal or incineration. In these situations, the requirement to mix the material specifically with biodegradable or inorganic waste has been removed. It is now required that plant residues to be mixed equally with suitable waste before disposal.

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For residues from cannabis extracts, preparations and medicinal products, incineration remains the primary treatment method. However, alternative treatment options are now permitted, as long as they are carried out at the site where the waste is produced and by facilities licensed by INFARMED and authorised under the General Waste Management Regime (RGGR). The update also revises the transport requirements and clarifies that residues can only be classified as a by‑product if analytical results confirm THC levels are below 0.3%. Anything above that level continues to be treated as controlled‑substance waste.

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These developments highlight a growing focus on sustainability and practical waste-management solutions within the cannabis sector, reflecting the continuous evolution of Portugal’s regulatory framework.

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Further details can be found in the complete document accessible through the following link: https://apambiente.pt/sites/default/files/_Residuos/nota-tecnica_residuos-canabis_revisao-maio.26.pdf