Medical marijuana is legal in Greece, while recreational marijuana is illegal.
Greece legalized medical marijuana in 2017 and the following year passed a law allowing the cultivation and processing of medical marijuana.
Greece enforces cannabis through a drug law enacted in 1987. The Drug Law, which made the use of recreational marijuana punishable by imprisonment, has undergone several amendments.
Currently, a small amount of recreational marijuana use is not punishable by imprisonment but by a counseling program for a first offense, and a fine or imprisonment for up to five months for further offenses.
Possession or use of large quantities of marijuana carries a higher penalty.
Although regulations are being eased, Europe still has a tough stance on the issue.
Medical cannabis in Greece
Medical cannabis was legalized in Greece in 2017.
The legalization of medical marijuana allows anyone with a prescription from a doctor to obtain medical marijuana at a pharmacy.
Legalization downgraded marijuana from a Class A drug to a Class B drug.
The downgrade is expected to lead to decriminalization and legalization of marijuana.
In 2018, the year after legalization, the production of medical marijuana in Greece was authorized, and in 2021 a bill was approved legalizing the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana with a THC content of 0.2% or higher.
CBD is legal
CBD is legal in Greece.
CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC and can be purchased at pharmacies, CBD stores, and online.
Cannabis cultivation in Greece
Cannabis cultivation is basically illegal in Greece.
Only licensed cultivators are allowed to cultivate cannabis, and personal cultivation is not permitted.
Cultivation for personal use is subject to the same penalties as possession of marijuana.
Conclusion
The following is an introduction to the cannabis situation in Greece.
In Greece, medical marijuana is legal and recreational marijuana is illegal. However, the legalization of medical marijuana has downgraded the status of cannabis from a Class A drug to a Class B drug.
This is expected to lead to further deregulation of marijuana.
Currently, there is no movement toward the full legalization of marijuana, but we will keep an eye on future developments.