Is Cannabis Legal in Corfu? | Legal Status Explained

Cannabis is illegal in Greece, including Corfu. The country maintains strict laws prohibiting the possession, use, cultivation, and trafficking of cannabis. While there have been some legal reforms, recreational cannabis remains a criminal offence, and penalties can be severe. Possession of any amount of cannabis is considered a criminal offence, and individuals caught with even small quantities may face legal consequences. The Greek legal system treats cannabis possession as a serious offence, and while there have been some amendments to the law, the overall stance remains stringent.

Medical Cannabis

In 2017, Greece legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes. However, the implementation of this policy has been slow, and prescriptions for medical cannabis products only became available in 2024 due to bureaucratic delays. Patients suffering from conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, or chronic pain can access cannabis in the form of oils or flowers, but this is strictly regulated. Medical cannabis is not available over the counter and requires a prescription from an authorized doctor. The process to obtain medical cannabis is complex and may not be accessible to all patients in need.

CBD Products

Cannabidiol (CBD) products are legal in Greece under specific conditions. CBD products must contain less than 0.2% THC and are primarily available in pharmacies for external use, such as in creams or ointments. The sale of CBD products intended for consumption, such as oils or edibles, is prohibited unless they meet strict regulatory standards. While CBD products are legal, their availability and use are subject to regulation, and individuals should ensure that any products they purchase comply with Greek laws.

Cultivation Laws

Cultivating cannabis is illegal in Greece, including in Corfu. The law does not differentiate between recreational and medical use in this regard. Growing even a single cannabis plant is considered a criminal offence and can result in prosecution. Greek authorities actively enforce these laws, and penalties for cultivation can be severe. This strict prohibition reflects the country's zero-tolerance policy toward cannabis and is aimed at preventing any expansion of cannabis availability within the country.

Legal Ambiguity and Enforcement

While cannabis remains illegal for recreational use, enforcement in tourist-heavy areas like Corfu can be inconsistent. Local police may prioritise serious drug trafficking over small personal possession. This doesn’t mean cannabis use is legal or officially tolerated, but minor possession sometimes results in warnings or fines rather than criminal prosecution. Still, there is a risk of arrest or legal trouble, so caution is essential.

Tourist Considerations

Visitors to Corfu should be especially careful about cannabis use or possession. Greece does not offer a legal framework for cannabis use by tourists, and foreign nationals caught with cannabis risk fines, deportation, or even imprisonment. Unlike some other European destinations, there are no cannabis social clubs or legal venues where tourists can consume cannabis safely.

CBD Market Growth

The CBD market in Greece, including Corfu, has seen growth with more shops and online retailers offering CBD products compliant with EU standards. However, customers should be cautious about product quality and labelling, as regulation is still evolving. The legal threshold for THC content in CBD products remains strict, and unapproved claims or edible CBD items can lead to issues.

Cultural Attitudes and Future Trends

Public opinion in Greece is slowly shifting, particularly among younger generations who tend to support cannabis law reform. Political discussions about cannabis policy reform continue, influenced by changes in other European countries. While immediate full legalisation seems unlikely, incremental steps toward decriminalisation or expanded medical use may happen in the near future.

Public Demonstrations and Advocacy

Public demonstrations advocating for cannabis legalization are also strictly prohibited in Greece. In April 2025, a constitutional amendment was passed that bans the promotion of drugs, including cannabis. This means that public events or demonstrations calling for cannabis legalization or related causes are illegal and can be subject to police intervention or legal sanctions. This amendment reflects the government's strong stance against drug liberalization and further limits public discourse on cannabis policy reform within the country.

Summary

In summary, cannabis is illegal in Corfu and throughout Greece. The country enforces strict penalties for possession, use, cultivation, and trafficking of cannabis. There is no medical cannabis program beyond a few tightly controlled exceptions, and the legal status of CBD products is ambiguous but limited. Public advocacy for cannabis legalization is also prohibited. Individuals should exercise caution and adhere to local laws to avoid legal consequences.