Is Cannabis Legal in Greece?
Is Cannabis Legal in Greece?
Let’s journey through Greece’s evolving cannabis landscape, where medical and industrial hemp have gained legal footing, while recreational use remains prohibited.
Greece: Where Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Thrive
Yes, Greece has embraced the legalization of medical cannabis and industrial hemp, marking significant milestones in its cannabis journey. However, it’s crucial to note that recreational cannabis remains illegal in the country.
Exploring Greece
Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, graces southeastern Europe with its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Revered as the “cradle of Western civilization,” Greece’s influence on Western culture is profound. Its charm extends to picturesque landscapes and a constellation of islands adorning the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
Medical Cannabis Takes Root
Greece’s embrace of medical cannabis began in 2017 with a landmark decision by the Ministers of Health and Justice. This decision not only legalized medical marijuana but also reclassified cannabis from a Table A drug to a Table B drug.
In the following year, Greek legislators went further, passing a law allowing the cultivation and processing of medical cannabis containing up to 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Building upon this foundation, a 2021 bill expanded the horizon, legalizing the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana with THC levels exceeding 0.2%.
To access medical cannabis in Greece, individuals need a prescription from their attending physician. Medical cannabis demonstrates its efficacy in treating a range of conditions, including chronic pain, neuropathic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and cachexia.
Despite the legalization, patients face hurdles in accessing their medicine due to bureaucratic complexities and a lack of a transparent distribution network. The delay in program implementation hampers patients from obtaining cannabis through a centralized distribution system.
In June 2021, Panaxia Labs Israel entered the scene, marketing and distributing medical cannabis in Greece, targeting health issues like neuropathic pain and spasticity linked to Multiple Sclerosis.
However, the absence of state health insurance subsidies for medical cannabis has drawn criticism from Greek patients and advocates. They contend that access issues persist within the medical cannabis program.
Cannabis Decriminalization: A Pending Issue
Cannabis remains firmly within the realm of criminalization in Greece. Possession of cannabis for personal use can lead to penalties, including imprisonment spanning from 10 days to 5 years and/or fines. The severity of the offense determines the duration of imprisonment, with a maximum term of 5 months. First-time offenders may opt for participation in counseling programs as an alternative to incarceration.
Recreational Cannabis: Not Yet Legal
Recreational cannabis enthusiasts must note that Greece continues to uphold the prohibition of cannabis for non-medical use. Possession, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis for recreational purposes stand in clear violation of Greek law.
Hemp: A Legal Endeavor
Industrial hemp has found its niche in Greece, thanks to favorable legislation. Cultivation and processing of industrial hemp, with THC levels not exceeding 0.3% by dry weight, are permitted. Hemp primarily serves industrial purposes, contributing to the production of fibers, oils, and non-intoxicating products.
CBD: A Legal Presence
CBD enjoys legal status in Greece, provided it contains less than 0.2% THC. Consequently, CBD products have gained popularity and can be readily found in stores throughout the country.
Personal Cultivation: Restricted to Medical Purposes
The 2021 law greenlit cannabis cultivation for medical purposes exclusively for those holding operating permits. Growing cannabis for personal use remains illegal. However, it’s noteworthy that certain online seed banks assert that Greek law does not prohibit the purchase or sale of cannabis seeds.
The Future of Cannabis in Greece
As cannabis use in Greece, particularly in Athens, ranks among the highest in Europe, it’s evident that the country has made substantial strides toward legalization since 2017. The question now seems not to be if, but when, Greece will embrace full cannabis legalization. The journey continues, and Greece remains on the path to redefining its cannabis landscape.
