Cannabis Laws in Greece

Greece legalized medical cannabis in 2017 and quickly moved to establish itself as a major player in the European cannabis cultivation and export market. A 2018 legislative amendment permitted the cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes, opening the door for licensed companies to grow pharmaceutical-grade cannabis for both domestic use and export to other countries with medical programs. Greece's Mediterranean climate, abundant sunlight, and relatively low agricultural labor costs make it an attractive location for cannabis production, and the government has issued cultivation licenses to both Greek and international companies.

The domestic medical cannabis program allows patients to access cannabis-based pharmaceutical products through pharmacies with a doctor's prescription, though the range of available products and patient awareness have been slower to develop than the export-oriented cultivation sector. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, with possession punishable by criminal penalties, although courts have some discretion in sentencing for personal use quantities. Greece's CBD market operates within EU guidelines, with products below 0.2% THC available in specialty shops and pharmacies. The country's strategic positioning as a cannabis cultivation hub within the EU represents a significant economic opportunity, particularly as demand for medical cannabis continues to grow across Europe.