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Is marijuana legal in Greece

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Greece applies a restrictive cannabis policy, with recreational weed remaining illegal while medical marijuana is permitted under tightly regulated conditions. Possession of cannabis for non-medical use can still result in fines or criminal penalties, though courts may treat small, personal-use amounts differently on a case-by-case basis. At the same time, Greece has legalized medical cannabis production and prescription access for specific conditions, positioning itself as a growing player in the European medical cannabis industry. This page explains Greece’s current marijuana legality, including recreational restrictions, medical cannabis access, industrial hemp and CBD rules, and how the country’s laws compare internationally. For readers who want to see how Greece fits into the broader global landscape, explore our comprehensive breakdown of cannabis regulations by location across U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.

Is marijuana legal in Greece
1. Recreational Use: Illegal
  • Possession: Strictly prohibited. Even small quantities are punishable by fines or imprisonment (Law 4139/2013).
  • Enforcement: Courts may reduce penalties for small, personal-use amounts, but no legal protection exists.
  • Cultivation & Sale: Illegal for non-medical purposes.
is marijuana legal in greece gg
  • Legalized: Medical cannabis legalized in 2017.
  • Production: Law 4523/2018 allows licensed cultivation, processing, and export.
  • Prescription: Only available for serious conditions (e.g., cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis).
  • Access: Requires a prescription from a specialist. Domestic supply has been limited but improving with new production facilities.
3. Medical Cannabis Industry
  • Licensing: Private companies may apply for licenses to cultivate and manufacture medical cannabis.
  • Export Focus: Greece aims to become a leading EU exporter.
  • Facilities: Several cultivation sites operational since 2023.
4. Industrial Hemp and CBD
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  • Hemp: Legal to grow EU-certified varieties with THC <0.2%.
  • CBD Products: Legal if THC-free and properly labeled.
  • Regulation: Subject to strict food and supplement laws; enforcement is occasionally inconsistent.
5. Public Debate & Future Outlook
  • Reform Movements: Ongoing discussions around recreational decriminalization.
  • Barriers: Conservative societal views and political resistance slow progress.
  • Outlook: Medical market is expanding, but recreational legalization is unlikely in the near future.

Summary: Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Greece. Medical cannabis is legal under strict regulation, with limited domestic access but growing infrastructure. Industrial hemp and CBD are permitted within EU guidelines.