Is Cannabis Legal in Cyprus? | Legal Status Explained

Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Cyprus. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law of 1977 classifies cannabis as a Class B drug, carrying penalties of up to eight years in prison for possession and life imprisonment for trafficking. Possession of more than 30 grams or cultivation of more than three plants is considered trafficking and is subject to severe legal consequences. Even small quantities can lead to significant fines and mandatory participation in a six-month detoxification program. Cypriot authorities maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards cannabis, and enforcement is rigorous, with no special leniency for tourists or first-time offenders.

Medical Use

Medical cannabis was legalised in Cyprus in 2019, allowing for the cultivation, importation, and use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. However, access to medical cannabis remains limited. Patients can obtain cannabis-based treatments, such as oils and capsules, but the program is tightly regulated. The government has licensed a few companies to produce medical cannabis domestically, aiming to meet both local and EU demand. Despite the legal framework, many patients report difficulties in accessing prescribed treatments due to bureaucratic delays and limited availability.

CBD Products

Cannabidiol (CBD) products are legal in Cyprus, provided they contain no more than 0.2% THC. These products are widely available in pharmacies and health stores and are commonly used for various wellness purposes. However, the sale of CBD products is strictly regulated, and they cannot be marketed with claims of medicinal benefits unless authorised by the health authorities. Despite their legality, some importers have faced challenges, including confiscation of products, due to inconsistencies in enforcement and interpretation of regulations.

Cultivation

Cultivating cannabis is illegal in Cyprus. The law does not differentiate between recreational and medicinal use concerning cultivation. Growing cannabis, regardless of the intended purpose, is considered a criminal offence and can result in severe penalties. Even for medical purposes, patients are not permitted to cultivate cannabis plants; all medicinal cannabis must be obtained through licensed pharmacies.

Public Demonstrations and Advocacy

Public demonstrations advocating for cannabis legalisation are not explicitly prohibited by law; however, such activities are uncommon and may attract legal scrutiny. Cyprus maintains a conservative stance on drug policy, and public advocacy for cannabis reform is limited. While there have been isolated instances of public demonstrations, they have not led to significant policy changes. The prevailing political climate does not favour the legalisation of cannabis, and public discourse on the issue is minimal.

Why Understanding Cyprus Cannabis Law Matters

Cyprus sits at the crossroads of Europe and the Near East, enjoys year‑round visitor numbers from the UK and now welcomes growing digital‑nomad and student communities. The island’s membership of the EU single market does not, however, soften its approach to narcotics. Cannabis remains firmly under criminal control and the courts have shown themselves willing to impose heavy penalties, particularly on inbound travellers who assume Continental-style tolerance. Knowing the letter of the law and the way it is enforced is therefore essential for anyone carrying herbal products, CBD supplements or even hemp‑based cosmetics across the Green Line or through Larnaca and Paphos airports.

Legal Classification and Primary Statute

Cypriot drug control rests on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law of 1977, as repeatedly amended. The Act groups-controlled substances into Classes A, B and C. Cannabis and its resin sit in Class B, making them second only to opiates and cocaine in perceived harm. Possession, cultivation, supply and trafficking are covered by section 6, while section 30 and the Third Schedule fix maximum penalties. In theory, simple “use” of a Class B drug can attract life imprisonment, although that ceiling has never been reached. Personal possession carries a maximum of eight years, reducible to two years where the defendant is under twenty‑five at the time of the first offence.

Possession and Personal Use: What the Law Says

Cyprus introduced threshold quantities in the early 2000s to help separate personal users from small‑scale dealers. Possession of fewer than 30 grams of dried cannabis or under three plants is generally treated as “for use” rather than “for supply”. First‑time adult offenders found with small amounts will still be arrested, fingerprinted and detained overnight. Most are then directed into a six‑month rehabilitation programme; successful completion is viewed favourably by the District Court and results in a fine usually between €400 and €1,000 instead of jail. Failure to finish the course, an uncooperative attitude, or aggravating factors such as public consumption can raise the sanction dramatically.

Supply, Trafficking and Cultivation: Harsher Penalties

Where police or customs officers recover thirty grams or more, or identify three or more plants, they are entitled to presume an intent to supply. Conviction for trafficking Class B drugs carries a sentencing range that runs all the way to life imprisonment; penalties at the Criminal Court regularly hover in the high‑single‑ to low‑double‑digit years, as illustrated by several airport seizures in the past eighteen months that produced terms of ten to twelve years. Courts have emphasised that courier‑style importation through Larnaca or Paphos is an aggravating circumstance because it undermines national security and damages Cyprus’s tourist economy.

CBD and Hemp Products: A Limited Exception

European food‑and‑cosmetic rules permit hemp‑derived products provided the delta‑9‑THC content does not exceed 0.2 per cent. Cyprus follows this threshold for most finished goods and allows domestic cultivation of industrial hemp under licence. Broad‑spectrum CBD oils, capsules and topicals that test below the limit can be sold in pharmacies and specialist health shops. Nevertheless, enforcement remains uneven. Police have seized consignments of low‑THC hemp flower on the ground that it is visually indistinguishable from illegal cannabis. Travellers are therefore advised to keep all packaging intact, carry independent lab reports and limit quantities to those consistent with personal wellness use.

Summary

Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Cyprus, with strict penalties for possession, use, and trafficking. Medical cannabis is legal but access is limited and tightly regulated. CBD products are legal if they contain no more than 0.2% THC, though their sale is subject to strict regulations. Cultivation of cannabis is prohibited, and public advocacy for legalisation is minimal. Individuals should exercise caution and adhere to local laws to avoid legal consequences.