Understanding Cannabis Laws and Regulations in Greece – What You Should Know

Greece maintains strict restrictions on the use of cannabis, especially for recreational purposes. Medical marijuana has been legalized since 2017, but access to it remains limited. At the same time, the industrial cannabis market is developing. In this article, we'll shed some light on the current cannabis laws and regulations in Greece concerning storage, cultivation, and use.

Overview of Cannabis Legislation in Greece

Recreational use has remained illegal since the 1930s and carries severe penalties, which include fines and prison terms. The Law 1729/1987 especially tightened the measures, providing for up to 5 years in prison for possession.

Medical cannabis for patients with certain diseases such as chronic pain and epilepsy has been legal since 2017. This decision was based on scientific research and public support. Access to medical cannabis in Greece is still restricted, available solely to individuals who have a Greek physician's prescription. CBD (cannabidiol) products are permitted, provided that their THC content does not exceed 0.2%, in accordance with European Union regulations.

In 2018, Greece also authorized the cultivation of hemp with a THC level less than 0.2%, thereby creating new economic opportunities. Thus, the country prioritizes the medical and economic aspects while adopting a conservative view on recreational consumption.

Recreational Use

Cannabis laws in Greece strictly distinguish between recreational and medical use. Recreational cannabis use is still illegal in Greece, even in small quantities. For possession of up to 5 grams, you can receive a fine of €200 to €2,000 or up to five months in prison, and for larger volumes and repeated violations, more serious penalties, including longer terms – up to eight years in prison or more, depending on the severity of the violation. Cultivation is prohibited and can result in up to eight years in prison and fines of up to €500,000.

Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis in Greece was legalized in 2017, giving patients with certain diseases access to cannabis-based treatment. This treatment is recommended for various medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), multiple sclerosis, and symptoms related to cancer. However, the process of obtaining it is quite strict and consists of several stages. Patients must get a prescription from a physician certified in Greece, who has received special training, and have it approved by the National Organization of Medicines (EOF). Upon receiving approval, the medical cannabis product may be acquired at licensed pharmacies.

The process of accessing medical marijuana is hindered by a scarcity of qualified healthcare providers and pharmacies, the significant expense (ranging from €250 to €750 monthly), and bureaucratic obstacles. The majority of these products are imported, which not only drives up costs but also restricts availability.

Medical Cannabis Seeds

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Greece has established an electronic prescription system designed to improve accessibility; but medical cannabis is predominantly unavailable to visitors lacking a prescription from a local physician. Moreover, the medical cannabis program is marked by significant shortcomings, such as unclear usage guidelines and restrictions on treatment for minors.

The cultivation and processing of medicinal cannabis by licensed producers are progressing in the country. A Greek law enacted in 2018 permits the establishment of processing facilities and the production of cannabis intended for both domestic consumption and export. This creates investment opportunities and new jobs. In addition, the government is working on a treatment program for patients from EU countries, which could be a revolution in the field of medical tourism.

All in all, despite the progress, medical cannabis in Greece remains difficult for many to access, underscoring the need for further infrastructure development, expanding the list of diseases and increasing the availability of products.

CBD

The Greek law allows the sale of CBD products, including oils, topicals, and consumables, provided that the THC concentration remains less than 0.2%. Such products can be purchased at pharmacies, health food stores, specialized retailers, and through online platforms. The import and export of CBD products within the European Union is permitted upon adherence to all relevant regulatory standards.

Although CBD is legal in Greece, the quality of available products can differ greatly. For safety considerations, it is advisable to purchase items from reputable brands that offer transparency regarding their testing and manufacturing processes. Noncompliance with regulations concerning THC levels can result in severe repercussions.

High-CBD Cannabis Seeds

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Cultivation Regulations

It's not legal to grow cannabis in Greece for personal use, both medical and recreational. Cannabis production is only allowed by licensed companies, and there is currently only one official medical cannabis production facility in the country.

However, the Greek authorities are actively developing the hemp market, which contributes to the improvement of the economy. Since 2018, the rules have been relaxed to allow the cultivation and processing of cannabis seeds if the THC level is less than 0.2%. To grow industrial cannabis, farmers must obtain a license from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Purchasing Cannabis in Greece

Although medical cannabis was legalized in 2017, medical cannabis products in Greece became available in pharmacies on February 19, 2024. Purchase requires a valid prescription from a licensed physician, such as an anesthesiologist, neurologist, or pathologist specializing in oncology, infections, and rheumatism. The prescription must confirm that cannabis is necessary for conditions such as nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, spasticity in multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, or ineffectiveness of other treatments. The prescription can be extended by another doctor for six months, but then a second specialist consultation is required.

For tourists, there is practically no way to legally purchase cannabis, as a prescription must be obtained from a local doctor. Buying and using cannabis without a prescription remains illegal, and penalties for possession and use can be very severe.

Purchasing Cannabis Seeds in Greece

Although germinating cannabis seeds remains illegal in Greece, purchasing them is completely legal. They can be bought at specialised shops that sell cannabis seeds and CBD products, as well as online. At Herbies, there are more than 2,000 premium marijuana seeds from dozens of the most respected breeders and place an order within minutes. We deliver from Spain, and your package of cannabis seeds will arrive discreetly at your address in Athens or any other place as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: Please note that cannabis cultivation, even of non-psychoactive strains, is illegal in Greece. Please ensure compliance with your local laws and regulations.

Traveling to Greece with Cannabis

Travelers cannot legally bring cannabis with them, even for medical purposes. According to the laws of the country, marijuana in Greece is allowed only if you have a valid prescription from a certified Greek doctor. This makes it impossible for tourists to legally use cannabis, regardless of the purpose.

However, CBD products containing no more than 0.2% THC are allowed in Greece and can serve as an alternative for those who seek certain benefits of cannabis without the effect of intoxication. At the same time, it is recommended to buy CBD products on the spot, rather than bring them with you, in order to avoid possible legal problems.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Cannabis Laws

Greece takes a strict stance on cannabis, reflecting a conservative approach to its recreational use. The country's laws provide for harsh penalties for any violations, making them one of the strictest in the EU.

For possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use, fines from €200 to €2,000 and imprisonment for up to five months are provided. However, for first-time convicts, alternative measures such as community service or rehabilitation programs are often offered in case they are willing to cooperate. Nevertheless, a criminal record for these offenses persists for a minimum of five years, potentially restricting employment prospects, particularly within the public sector, and complicating the process of acquiring visas.

More serious violations, such as large-scale storage, cultivation, or intent to sell, are considered serious crimes. Consequences for such conduct may involve imprisonment for a duration of up to eight years, along with substantial monetary penalties. Recurring violations and involvement in organized criminal activities result in even more stringent repercussions.

Despite ongoing talks about possibly decriminalizing small amounts of cannabis, no changes to the law are expected at this moment. It is crucial for both locals and visitors to be aware of the stringent regulations compared to other European countries.

The Future of Cannabis Legalization in Greece

The Greek government actively supports the development of the medical cannabis industry, hoping to attract investment from abroad and strengthen the country's economy. Recently, there has been talk of simplifying the production and distribution of medical cannabis, as well as a possible relaxation of regulations on industrial cannabis. However, legalizing the use of cannabis for recreational purposes is facing significant resistance from both the public and political leaders, primarily due to entrenched conservative views.

There is no current data on the degree of public support for cannabis-related reforms. However, in 2017, the government legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes, which indicates the political will to carry out reforms in this area.

Greece is expected to implement progressive changes reflecting the approaches of other European countries. However, significant reforms in this area will take considerable time, as it is necessary to eliminate existing cultural and social barriers and overcome them.

Final Thoughts

Although the country has made significant strides in making weed legal in Greece for medical purposes and developing industrial cannabis, it remains strict on recreational use. The laws provide for serious penalties for the illegal possession, sale, and cultivation of cannabis, making it one of the toughest jurisdictions in the EU. At the same time, the government actively supports the medical cannabis industry and attracts investments in this sector. Further legislative changes are expected in the near future, but the full legalization of recreational cannabis in Greece is not yet anticipated.

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