The cannabis laws in Greece are stricter than in many other European countries. Greece has allowed cannabis for specific pharmaceutical uses since 2017, but recreational cannabis is not permitted. Residents and visitors should know the rules before they travel or buy any cannabis product. This article gives a general overview of the rules in Greece for recreational cannabis, pharmaceutical cannabis and CBD. 🌱 Laws can change, so always check the current local rules.
Recreational use of cannabis remains forbidden throughout all Greek territory. 🚫
Greek law prohibits the possession and use of recreational cannabis. Outside the official pharmaceutical program, cannabis use is not permitted. Greece has not followed the approach of countries that have decriminalized recreational cannabis use. Here is an overview of the main points:
Possession and Cultivation
Any personal possession of cannabis remains illegal according to the laws of Greece. The law in Greece will fine and possibly jail individuals discovered with cannabis possession.
You will receive penalties that depend on how much cannabis you currently have. Varying quantities of cannabis could lead to fines between €200 and €2,000 but substantial offenders or those with excess amounts may receive five months in prison.
Greek law prohibits both the cultivation and the possession of cannabis, and both can lead to the same types of penalties.
Under Greek law, cannabis possession is a serious offence, even though some changes have been made for small personal quantities. First offenders can face serious consequences, including a criminal record, which can create barriers for future employment and travel. 🚨
The Greek judicial system allows the implementation of community service alongside rehabilitation programs when making decisions across specific cases and individual characteristics of defendants. Cannabis laws in Greece show initial tolerance toward inexperienced users but maintain complete regulating authority for any possession cases.
Pharmaceutical Cannabis in Greece 🩺
The position of the Greek government on cannabis changed in 2017, when cannabis was allowed for specific pharmaceutical uses. This program has strict rules, and access is limited. The following points summarize the rules for pharmaceutical cannabis in Greece.
How Access to Pharmaceutical Cannabis Works in Greece
In Greece, cannabis for pharmaceutical use is only available with an authorisation from a licensed specialist, and only for a limited list of serious conditions defined by the authorities. The exact list is set by Greek regulations and can change.
The authorisation must come from a specialist with a valid Greek licence. Only certain specialties, for example neurology and oncology, are allowed to issue it.
In 2024, Greece introduced an electronic system for these authorisations. Through this system, authorisations can be filled at specific pharmacies throughout Greece.
Under this program, Greece allows cannabis products such as oils, tinctures and flowers. These products can only be obtained from authorized pharmacies.
Access to pharmaceutical cannabis in Greece remains limited. At present, there are only a few authorized pharmacies in Greece, and authorisations issued in other countries are not accepted. Access requires an authorisation from a specialist who is licensed in Greece.
CBD Products in Greece 🌿
CBD products are sold in Greece, but they must meet specific requirements. You can find an overview of CBD products in our shop. The rules for CBD in Greece include the following points:
Rules for CBD in Greece
Greek law allows a CBD product sale when its THC concentration stays under 0.2% according to European Union guidelines. According to certain resources the government plans to raise the THC content restriction from 0.2% to 0.3% to match other European Union member countries' regulations.
The law permits only those CBD products made from industrial hemp instead of marijuana to reach consumers. Multiple CBD product types reach customers through oils capsules and topicals among others.
CBD products are sold in different types of shops in Greece, including pharmacies, food shops, supermarkets and smoke shops. They are most widely available in the three largest Greek cities: Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras.
Temporary visitors to Greece need to confirm that their CBD products comply with THC restrictions during entry. All imported products need to bring a Certificate of Analysis to comply with Greek product standards.
What to Look Out For
CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD products without THC are generally accepted. Full-spectrum CBD products with small amounts of THC may face uncertainty when they are imported into Greece. Buying from local sellers or keeping proper documentation for imported CBD products reduces this uncertainty.
Cannabis Laws in Comparison to Other European Countries 🌍
Greece maintains strict cannabis laws among European nations because it prohibits recreational cannabis use. The following information demonstrates the position of Greece in European cannabis regulations:
Recreational Cannabis
In Greece, the prohibition of recreational cannabis is enforced with serious penalties. First-time offenders can face fines, and repeat offenders can face imprisonment.
Portugal decriminalized the personal possession of all drugs in 2001. This means personal cannabis use is handled as an administrative matter rather than a criminal offence.
In Spain, private cannabis cultivation and consumption are tolerated within specific limits. Members of private cannabis clubs can use the facilities of these clubs.
The Netherlands has a tolerance policy for the sale of small amounts of cannabis in licensed coffee shops. These shops have a sales limit of 5 grams per person.
Germany has reformed its cannabis rules in recent years. The details of these rules can change, so check the current situation before you travel.
Pharmaceutical Cannabis
Greece has allowed cannabis for specific pharmaceutical uses since 2017, but the choice of products is still limited. Access requires an authorisation from a licensed specialist, and the products must be obtained from licensed pharmacies.
Germany has a pharmaceutical cannabis program, and costs can be covered by insurance under certain conditions. Access in Germany is easier than in Greece.
In Italy, specialists can authorize pharmaceutical cannabis, which pharmacists then dispense.
CBD
European Union rules apply in Greece and in other member states. In many countries, CBD products must contain less than 0.2% THC to be sold. Austria uses a THC limit of 0.3%, while other European countries still use a 0.2% limit. These limits can change.
The development of cannabis legislation in Greece continues as the nation works toward progress in this field. ⚖️
Cannabis reform in Greece may move closer to the standards in other parts of Europe. Pharmaceutical cannabis and CBD products have become more accessible, but recreational cannabis is still prohibited.
Challenges for Reform
Despite recent progress, the expansion of the pharmaceutical cannabis program in Greece is slow. Only a few pharmacies distribute pharmaceutical cannabis, and foreign authorisations are not accepted. Social stigma around cannabis in Greece could also slow down future reforms. 🌿
Supporters of reform among politicians and advocacy groups are working for further changes to the law. The pharmaceutical cannabis program shows that attitudes in Greek society are changing.
The Future of Cannabis in Greece 🌱
Greek law still prohibits recreational cannabis and sets serious penalties for possession of any amount. The pharmaceutical cannabis program, introduced in 2017, was an important change in Greece. CBD products can be sold in Greece if they meet the THC limits. Rules can change, so always check the current local rules.
Public opinion on cannabis in Greece is changing, and further reforms are possible in the future. If you plan to stay in Greece, the local laws on cannabis are the most important information. 🌿
FAQ:
Can I use cannabis in Greece?
Under current law, recreational cannabis use is prohibited throughout Greece. Police can arrest people who have cannabis outside the pharmaceutical program, and this can lead to fines and imprisonment.
Is pharmaceutical cannabis available in Greece?
Greece has allowed cannabis for specific pharmaceutical uses since 2017. Access is limited, because an authorisation from a specialist licensed in Greece is required.
Can CBD products be sold in Greece?
Yes. CBD products with less than 0.2% THC can be sold in Greece if they meet the Greek rules. The rules can change, so check the current situation.
How can people get access to pharmaceutical cannabis in Greece?
Only certain licensed specialists can issue the required authorisation. The products are available at licensed pharmacies.
