Is Weed Legal in Greece? The Difference Between Illegal Use and the Official Medical Pathway
Recreational use and legal medical access are not the same. This page explains what visitors cannot do, what the restrictions are, and how the official route works in Greece.
Written by MedTourist GR Editorial Team | Last updated: April 2026
Key Takeaways
- Recreational cannabis is illegal in Greece — possession carries up to 5 months imprisonment
- Medical cannabis has been legal since 2017 and is regulated by EOF
- CBD products under 0.2% THC are legal and widely available
- Cannabis was reclassified from Class A to Class B in 2017
- Tourists can access medical cannabis through a licensed Greek physician
Contents
Legal History of Cannabis in Greece
Cannabis has a long and complex history in Greece, from ancient agricultural use to its current dual status as an illegal recreational substance and a regulated medical product.
Pre-20th Century
Cannabis (hemp) was cultivated in Greece for centuries, primarily for rope, textiles, and oil. Its psychoactive properties were known but not widely documented in Greek agricultural practice. The plant appeared in Greek pharmacopeias in various forms.
1890: First Restrictions
Greece was one of the earliest countries to restrict cannabis, introducing controls on hashish in the late 19th century. This was partly influenced by concerns about hashish use among port workers and sailors, particularly in Piraeus.
1987: Modern Drug Law
Greece's comprehensive drug legislation (Law 1729/1987) classified cannabis as a Class A substance alongside heroin and cocaine, imposing severe penalties for any cannabis-related offence. This remained the foundation of Greek drug policy for three decades.
2013: Personal Use Amendment
Law 4139/2013 introduced a distinction between drug use for personal consumption and supply/trafficking. While cannabis remained illegal, courts gained discretion to impose reduced penalties (including suspended sentences) for small quantities deemed for personal use. This was a significant shift in approach, though not decriminalisation.
2017: Medical Legalisation & Reclassification
In a landmark move, Greece legalised medical cannabis and reclassified the plant from Class A to Class B. This made Greece one of the first EU Mediterranean countries to create a legal medical cannabis framework. The law established EOF (National Organisation for Medicines) as the regulatory body for medical cannabis products.
2018: Cultivation Legislation
Greece passed legislation permitting the cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes under licence. This attracted international investment and positioned Greece as a potential hub for medical cannabis production in Europe, leveraging its favourable climate.
2021–2024: Import Restrictions & Reforms
Restrictions on importing certain cannabis products created supply challenges, drawing criticism from patient advocacy groups and some EU bodies. Subsequent reforms in 2024 expanded access, allowing specialist physicians beyond psychiatrists and neurologists to prescribe medical cannabis, broadening the pool of qualifying practitioners.
2025–2026: Current State
The medical cannabis framework continues to develop. EOF maintains oversight of approved products and prescribing regulations. Greece remains one of the more progressive EU members on medical cannabis while maintaining strict prohibition of recreational use.
Medical Cannabis vs Illegal Cannabis in Greece
Legal Medical Pathway
- • Regulated by EOF (Greek National Organisation for Medicines)
- • Requires a prescription from a licensed Greek physician
- • Dispensed through authorised pharmacies
- • Tied to pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products
- • Part of a documented medical-pharmaceutical system
- • Available to both residents and tourists with qualifying conditions
Illegal Recreational Use
- • Not regulated or quality-tested
- • No prescription, no legal protection
- • Purchased from informal or anonymous sources
- • Carries criminal penalties including imprisonment
- • Often linked to scams targeting tourists
- • Criminal record affects Schengen-wide travel
Penalties for Cannabis in Greece
Greek drug penalties are governed by Law 4139/2013 (as amended). The severity depends on whether the offence is classified as personal use or supply/trafficking.
Personal Use Possession
Up to 5 months imprisonment. Courts may impose suspended sentences or fines for first-time offenders. There is no defined gram threshold — courts assess quantity, packaging, and context on a case-by-case basis.
Supply and Trafficking
Sentences of up to 8 years imprisonment for supply. Aggravated trafficking (large quantities, organised networks) can carry sentences of 10 years or more. Sharing cannabis with friends can technically be classified as supply under Greek law.
Cultivation
Growing cannabis plants without a licence is illegal regardless of the number of plants. Penalties range from imprisonment to fines depending on scale and intent. Licensed cultivation for medical or industrial purposes is permitted under the 2018 legislation.
Impact on Tourists
A criminal conviction in Greece creates a criminal record that is accessible across the Schengen Area. This can affect future visa applications, travel, and employment. Being a tourist does not provide immunity — some courts apply additional scrutiny to cases involving foreign nationals.
Medical Cannabis Framework in Greece
Greece's medical cannabis framework was established in 2017 and is overseen by EOF (the National Organisation for Medicines). It provides a legal pathway for patients with qualifying conditions to access pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products through the healthcare system.
Qualifying conditions are assessed by the prescribing physician and may include chronic pain, neurological conditions, chemotherapy-related symptoms, and other conditions where conventional treatments have proven insufficient. The prescribing physician has sole clinical discretion over diagnosis and treatment.
Prescriptions must be issued by a licensed Greek physician. Following the 2024 reforms, specialist physicians across multiple disciplines can prescribe medical cannabis — it is no longer limited to psychiatrists and neurologists.
Dispensing occurs through authorised pharmacies. Products must be EOF-approved pharmaceutical-grade cannabis. Patients cannot legally source their own cannabis products from other suppliers.
For tourists: Visitors to Greece can access the medical cannabis framework through a consultation with a licensed Greek physician. Foreign prescriptions are not automatically recognised — a Greek prescription is typically required. Read the complete medical cannabis guide.
MedTourist GR provides administrative support to help travellers navigate this process. We handle intake documentation and scheduling coordination with independent licensed Greek physicians. We do not prescribe, diagnose, or sell any medication — all medical decisions are made solely by the treating physician.
CBD in Greece
CBD (cannabidiol) products are legal in Greece provided they contain less than 0.2% THC, in line with EU regulations on industrial hemp-derived products. The CBD market in Greece has grown significantly since 2019.
Available products: CBD oils, tinctures, topical creams, cosmetics, and supplements are widely available in specialist shops, some pharmacies, and online retailers across Greece.
Legal requirements: Products must contain less than 0.2% THC and be derived from EU-approved industrial hemp varieties. Products are not classified as medicines unless they make specific medical claims.
For tourists: You can purchase CBD products in Greece for personal use. If taking them home, check your home country's import regulations — some countries have stricter THC limits or require specific documentation.
CBD vs medical cannabis: CBD products available over the counter are not the same as prescription medical cannabis. Medical cannabis products prescribed through the EOF framework may contain higher levels of THC and other cannabinoids.
Cannabis Use in Greece: Statistics
According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA Greece Country Report), cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance in Greece, though usage rates remain below the European average.
~4.5%
Young adults (15–34) who reported cannabis use in the last year
Below EU avg
Overall cannabis prevalence compared to EU member states
These statistics reflect recreational use patterns. The number of patients accessing medical cannabis through the legal framework is growing but remains a small proportion of overall cannabis consumption in the country.
What Tourists Should Know
If you are visiting Greece and want to understand the cannabis landscape, here are the key points:
For more specific guidance, see our UK travellers' guide, cannabis in Corfu guide, or prescription process guide.
Related Guides
Cannabis in Corfu
Laws, medical access & tourist advice for Corfu
Medical Cannabis Greece Guide
Complete guide to the Greek medical cannabis framework
UK Travellers' Guide
What UK residents need to know before travelling
Prescription Process
Step-by-step walkthrough of the prescription pathway
Getting Weed in Greece
Why informal buying is risky and how medical cannabis differs
Telegram Scams Warning
How tourists get targeted by illegal chat-based offers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical cannabis legal in Greece?
Yes. Greece has had an official medicinal-cannabis framework since 2017, overseen by EOF (the National Organisation for Medicines). Prescription cannabis for medicinal use is legally available through authorised pharmacies with a valid physician's prescription.
Is recreational cannabis legal in Greece?
No. Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Greece. The existence of a medical framework does not mean recreational use is broadly permitted. Possession, purchase, and sale of cannabis outside the medical system is a criminal offence.
What are the penalties for cannabis possession in Greece?
Under Greek law (Law 4139/2013), possession of a small amount for personal use can result in up to 5 months imprisonment, though first-time offenders may receive a suspended sentence or fine at the court's discretion. Supply or trafficking can carry sentences of up to 8 years or more.
Is CBD oil legal in Greece?
Yes. CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC are legal in Greece, in line with EU regulations on industrial hemp-derived products. CBD oils, cosmetics, and supplements are widely available in specialist shops and some pharmacies.
Can you buy cannabis seeds in Greece?
Cannabis seeds for personal cultivation are not legal in Greece for recreational purposes. Seeds may be sold as collector's items or for industrial hemp cultivation with appropriate licensing, but growing cannabis plants without authorisation remains illegal.
Can UK travellers get medical cannabis legally in Greece?
UK travellers may be able to access medical cannabis through a licensed Greek physician if they have a qualifying condition. UK prescriptions are not automatically recognised in Greece — a Greek prescription is typically required. MedTourist GR provides administrative support to help travellers navigate this process.
How much cannabis is considered personal use in Greece?
Greek law does not define a specific gram threshold for personal use. Courts assess each case based on quantity, packaging, and context. Small amounts consistent with individual consumption are more likely to be treated as personal use, but there is no guaranteed safe amount.
Can I fly to Greece with medical cannabis from the UK?
This is complex and not recommended without thorough preparation. UK prescriptions are not automatically valid in Greece. Travellers should research the Schengen medical certificate process and current Greek customs regulations. Many travellers find it simpler to access medical cannabis through a licensed Greek physician once in Greece.
What happens if I buy cannabis illegally in Greece?
Purchasing cannabis outside the legal medical framework carries criminal risk including arrest, fines, and a criminal record that can affect future travel across the Schengen Area. Tourists should not rely on informal sellers, messaging apps, or street contacts.
About the Author
This article was written by the MedTourist GR Editorial Team. Our content is reviewed for accuracy and compliance with current Greek legislation. We reference official sources including EMCDDA country reports and Greek government publications.
MedTourist GR is an administrative support service — we do not provide medical advice, prescriptions, or medication. All medical decisions are made independently by licensed Greek physicians.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Cannabis laws may change. Always verify current regulations with official Greek government sources before travelling. MedTourist GR is an administrative support service and does not prescribe, sell, or provide cannabis.
Sources & References
- EMCDDA Greece Country Drug Report— European drug monitoring overview of Greece
- Greek Reporter — Cannabis Law Reform— News coverage of Greek cannabis legislation
- Ekathimerini — English Edition— Greece's leading English-language news source
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