Is Weed Legal in Greece? (April 2024)

Yes, medical cannabis as well as industrial hemp have been legalized in Greece. However, cannabis is not fully legalized for recreational use in Greece. However, there have been recent legislative changes in Greece regarding the medical use of cannabis. In 2017, Greece legalized the cultivation and production of medical cannabis for specific medical purposes. The law allows for the production, import, and export of medical cannabis products under strict regulations and with proper licensing.

Under the current legislation, patients with certain qualifying medical conditions can access medical cannabis with a prescription from an authorized healthcare professional. The Greek National Organization for Medicines oversees the regulation and licensing of medical cannabis products.

About Greece

 Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, is a country located in southeastern Europe. It is often referred to as the “cradle of Western civilization” due to its profound influence on Western culture. The country is famous for its picturesque landscapes and thousands of islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. 

Medical Cannabis in Greece

Medical cannabis was legalized in Greece in 2017. In July 2017, a collaborative decision made by the Ministers of Health and Justice in Greece resulted in the legalization of medical marijuana. This decision also entailed reclassifying cannabis from a Table A drug to a Table B drug.

The following year, Greek legislators passed a law permitting the cultivation and processing of medical cannabis containing up to 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Building on this, in 2021, a bill was approved to legalize the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana with THC levels exceeding 0.2%.

To gain access to medical cannabis in Greece, individuals must obtain a prescription from their attending physician. The Health Ministry highlighted the usefulness of cannabis medicines in treating various conditions, such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and cachexia.

However, despite the legalization of medical cannabis, patients face obstacles in accessing their medicine due to bureaucratic challenges and a lack of a transparent distribution system. The program's implementation has been delayed, impeding patients from obtaining cannabis through a centralized distribution network.

In June 2021, it was reported that Panaxia Labs Israel would market and distribute medical cannabis in Greece for the treatment of health issues like neuropathic pain and spasticity related to Multiple Sclerosis.

Health Minister Andreas Xanthos stated in 2018 that medical cannabis would not be subsidized by state health insurance schemes. Greek patients and advocates have expressed strong criticism towards the government and the prevailing access problems within the medical cannabis program.

Is Cannabis Decriminalized in Greece?

Cannabis has not been decriminalized in Greece. According to Greek law, individuals caught in possession of cannabis for personal use can face penalties that include imprisonment ranging from 10 days to 5 years and/or a fine. The duration of imprisonment is subject to the severity of the offense, with a maximum term of 5 months. However, for first-time offenders, participation in a counseling program may serve as an alternative to incarceration.

Is Recreational Cannabis Legal in Greece?

Recreational cannabis is not legal in Greece. The possession, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis for recreational purposes are illegal under Greek law.

Is Hemp Legal in Greece?

Yes, hemp is legal in Greece. The cultivation and processing of industrial hemp, which contains low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) not exceeding 0.3% by dry weight, are permitted under Greek law. Hemp is primarily cultivated for industrial purposes, such as the production of fibers, oils, and other non-intoxicating products. 

Is CBD Legal in Greece?

CBD is legal in Greece as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. Consequently, stores selling CBD products have become quite common in the country.

Can I Grow Weed at Home in Greece?

Regarding personal cultivation, the 2021 law permits cannabis cultivation for medical purposes exclusively to those who have obtained operating permits. Growing cannabis for personal use remains illegal. However, it is worth noting that certain online seed banks claim that Greek law does not prohibit the purchase or sale of cannabis seeds.

Will Greece Legalize Weed?

Cannabis use in Athens, the capital of Greece, is among the highest in Europe, as was first reported by The Greek Reporter. Since 2017, the country has made several positive strides towards the legalization of cannabis. It seems that for Greece, cannabis legalization is a matter of when and not if.