Cannabis Laws in Greece

Quick summary

Greece treats cannabis under its general narcotics statute, Law 4139/2013, which classifies cannabis alongside other controlled drugs. Strong evidence^[1] Recreational possession, cultivation, sale, and import are criminal offenses. A 2017 government decision and the subsequent Law 4523/2018 created a separate legal framework for medical cannabis prescribing and licensed commercial cultivation. Strong evidence^[2][3]

There is no recreational legalization on the table as of mid-2024. Public consumption remains prohibited, and there is no Dutch-style coffeeshop tolerance policy. Tourist assumptions to the contrary are wrong.

This article is informational only and is not legal advice. Laws change; consult a Greek attorney for any specific situation.

Recreational use and possession

Under Law 4139/2013, cannabis is a controlled narcotic. Possession, purchase, and cultivation for personal use are criminal offenses, though the 2013 reform softened penalties compared to the earlier regime. Strong evidence^[1]

Key points:

• Small-quantity personal use can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor rather than a felony, with the possibility of suspended sentences or treatment-based alternatives, particularly for first-time offenders. Strong evidence^[1]
• 'Addict' status (defined in the law as dependence) triggers reduced penalties and emphasis on treatment over imprisonment. Strong evidence^[1]
• Cultivation, even of a single plant, for personal use is still a criminal offense, though courts have discretion on sentencing. Strong evidence^[1]
• Trafficking, supply, and cultivation in quantity carry felony penalties of multi-year imprisonment, escalating with aggravating factors (minors involved, organized crime, etc.). Strong evidence^[1]

Greece has not adopted a fine-only administrative model like Portugal or the Czech Republic. Cannabis cases still go through the criminal system, even if outcomes for small quantities are often lenient in practice. Weak / limited^[4]

Medical cannabis

In June 2017, the Greek government announced that medical cannabis would be legalized, and the framework was formalized in Law 4523/2018, which authorized the licensed production and processing of cannabis for medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes. Strong evidence^[2][3]

Under the framework:

• Patients can access cannabis-based medicines through a prescription from a licensed Greek physician. Strong evidence^[2]
• Domestic companies can apply for licenses to cultivate and process medical cannabis, with several joint Greek–international ventures established since 2018. Strong evidence^[3][5]
• Finished medical cannabis products are regulated by the National Organization for Medicines (EOF). Strong evidence^[2]

Foreign prescriptions are not automatically recognized. Travelers carrying medical cannabis from another country should not assume their home-country authorization will protect them in Greece — check with a Greek attorney and consider the Schengen Article 75 certificate framework for EU patients.

CBD and industrial hemp

Greece follows the EU framework for industrial hemp: cultivation is permitted using approved varieties with THC content below 0.2%. Strong evidence^[6] CBD products derived from compliant hemp are legally sold in Greece, including oils, cosmetics, and (subject to novel food rules) some ingestibles. Weak / limited^[5]

Caveats:

• CBD flower / 'hemp flower' sits in a legal gray zone. While compliant low-THC flower is sold openly in some shops, enforcement has been inconsistent, and possession of flower material that visually resembles cannabis can still attract police attention.
• Novel food rules (EU 2015/2283) apply to CBD ingestibles across the EU, including Greece. Strong evidence^[6]
• Synthetic cannabinoids (HHC, etc.) have been subject to tightening restrictions across the EU; check current status before importing or selling.

Driving

Greece enforces drug-driving laws under the Highway Code. Driving under the influence of cannabis can result in fines, license suspension, and criminal liability if impairment causes harm. Strong evidence^[7] Roadside saliva testing is used. There is no published per se THC blood limit equivalent to alcohol's BAC scale — enforcement is based on detected presence and observed impairment. Weak / limited^[7]

Medical cannabis patients are not exempt from impaired-driving rules.

Practical notes for travelers

• Do not assume tourist leniency. Greek police prosecute cannabis offenses, including against foreign nationals. Embassy assistance in drug cases is limited.
• Airports and ferries use drug-detection dogs, particularly on routes from the Netherlands, Spain, and Albania.
• No coffeeshops. Any retail shop selling THC cannabis is operating illegally.
• 'Hash from Albania' folklore notwithstanding, importing cannabis across the Greek border is trafficking, a felony.
• Medical patients traveling within the EU should carry their Schengen Article 75 certificate and prescription documentation, and verify acceptance with Greek authorities before travel.

For related context, see Cannabis Laws in the EU and Schengen Article 75 Certificate.

Recent changes and outlook

The most significant change in the past decade was the 2017–2018 establishment of the medical cannabis framework. Strong evidence^[2][3] Since then, Greece has issued cultivation and processing licenses to a growing number of companies, positioning itself as a potential EU export hub. Weak / limited^[5]

There has been no serious legislative movement toward recreational legalization as of mid-2024. Public discussion exists, but the major political parties have not advanced legalization bills. Reform of the 2013 narcotics law is periodically debated but not imminent.

Information last verified: June 2024. Cannabis law in Greece can change; check current Greek government sources and consult a licensed Greek attorney for specific situations. This article is not legal advice.

Sources

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