Is Cannabis legal in Greece? – Update 2024

TL;DR: The Legal Status of Cannabis in Greece

In this article, we will dissect the legal landscape surrounding cannabis in Greece. The table below provides a brief overview of the current legal status:

	Recreational Use	Medical Use
THC	Illegal	Legal under strict control
CBD	Legal	Legal

Introduction

Understanding cannabis legislation is important due to its social, economic, and public health implications. Globally, there has been a trend towards more relaxed laws, with many countries legalizing or decriminalizing various uses of cannabis.

Overview of Cannabis Legislation

Before diving into the specifics of Greek’s laws, it would be useful to clarify a few key terms. ‘Legalization’ refers to abolishing criminal penalties for cannabis use while ‘decriminalization’ is the softening of penalties without full legalization. ‘Medical use’ and ‘recreational use’ are self-explanatory, pertaining to the use of cannabis for health purposes or for leisure, respectively.

Specific Legal Details about Cannabis in Greece

Legal Status

In Greece, THCs’s recreational use is illegal while medicinal use is legal under strict control. However, CBD is completely legal for both medical and recreational uses. For a more detailed consultation, the Greek Ministry of Health’s official website can provide more depth.

Historical Context

Cannabis in Greece has had an intricate history. The country was one of the last in the European Union to allow medical use of cannabis in 2017. The evolution of cannabis laws has had a major societal impact, both from public health and economic perspectives.

Possession and Use

Currently, possession of cannabis containing THC for personal use is a penal offence, and offenders may face imprisonment. Consumption is restricted to private residences and medical cannabis can only be obtained by prescription.

Cultivation and Distribution

Growing cannabis for personal use is strictly prohibited. Licensed manufacturers can legally grow cannabis for medical purposes and it is typically distributed through pharmacies.

Enforcement and Penalties

Penalties for violating cannabis laws in Greece range from monetary fines to imprisonment. Recent years have seen more moderate enforcement practices, with emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis can be prescribed for a range of conditions, including chronic pain, nausea in cancer patients, and other severe conditions. Patients need a medical prescription to access medical cannabis and registration with a licensed distributor.

Social and Economic Impact

Despite the strict laws, legalization of medical cannabis has had a positive economic impact, with the development of a thriving industry. The public health implications require more research; however, there appears to be some benefits for patients with chronic conditions.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to other European countries, Greece has a more conservative stance on cannabis. However, their gradual shift towards acknowledging its medicinal use mirrors a similar global trend.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Debates

There have been debates regarding broader policies for the decriminalization of cannabis in Greece. Advocacy groups continue to lobby for reforms; however, no major legislative changes are currently anticipated.

Conclusion

While cannabis remains largely illegal in Greece, the legalization of medical use represents an important shift. Globally, the trend appears to be leaning towards liberalization, but Greece maintains a cautious stance. It remains to be seen how these laws will evolve in the future.

Read about the legal situation in countries around Greece

• Albania
• North Macedonia
• Bulgaria
• Turkey