SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals, a Portugal-based marijuana company, is expanding its reach into the Polish market through a strategic partnership with Cosma S.A., a Poland-based company focused on cannabis-based pharmaceutical advancements. This collaboration designates Cosma as the marketing authorization holder (MAH) for both companies’ cannabis-based products, signaling a significant step towards improving access to innovative therapies for Polish patients.
“Through partnering with Cosma, we are dedicated to improving Polish patients’ access with the highest-quality innovative, improved performance and tasting solutions that have the potential to change their lives for the better,” stated Michael Sassano, founder and interim CEO of SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals. “SOMAÍ has the largest range of extracted innovative products with over 100+ stabilized EU-GMP products, and looks forward to introducing the Polish doctors and patients to many more advanced therapies and choices to help them.”
The partnership will introduce a range of advanced cannabis-based product lines to Polish patients, including various formulations of purified oral solutions and inhalation extracts. SOMAÍ’s oral solution formula is based on purified full-spectrum cannabis extract, offering a variety of THC/CBD ratios, genetics, and formulations with different terpene and flavonoid options to cater to a wide range of medical conditions. These products are available in three specialized lines: Essentials, Origins, and Senses.
The single-strain products are undergoing rigorous Polish registration processes to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and efficacy. Cosma’s extract by SOMAÍ is expected to complete registration and be available on the market this year, while the newest products are projected to reach shelves in 2025.
Cosma S.A. will leverage its expertise to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure timely market access for these products as the MAH. “We anticipate a significant increase in the registration of 45 new products over the next few years as we pursue our goal of becoming the CEE Cannabis Leader. Our collaboration demonstrates our commitment to delivering advanced, high-quality healthcare solutions for both Polish patients and the medical industry. In line with our strategic objectives, we continue to develop the Cosma brand and expand the distribution of SOMAÍ’s new products,” commented Przemysław Lahuta, president of Cosma S.A.
This partnership comes at a time when Poland is experiencing a surge in medical marijuana use, with prescriptions skyrocketing from 2,909 in 2019 to 276,807 in 2023. This trend has led to discussions regarding potential misuse, prompting the Polish government to consider tightening medical marijuana regulations. The proposed changes include restrictions on online prescriptions for ongoing treatments and other limitations, although details have yet to be published. Despite the regulatory considerations, the potential of Poland’s medical marijuana market is undeniable, as evidenced by the recent expansion of U.S. cannabis giant Curaleaf Holdings in the country through the acquisition of Can4Med, a pharmaceutical wholesaler specializing in cannabinoid medication.
While recreational cannabis remains illegal in Poland, the neighboring country of Germany has recently legalized recreational cannabis use. This difference in cannabis laws between the two countries requires travelers to be aware of the distinct regulations in each. Notably, Germany has implemented a new law setting a maximum allowed limit of THC for drivers at 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood, equivalent to 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. In contrast, Poland maintains a zero-tolerance policy for cannabis, making it illegal even for personal use.
