Is Cannabis Legal in Greece? | Legal Status Explained

Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Greece. Possession, use, and trafficking of cannabis are prohibited and can result in significant legal consequences. The severity of penalties depends on the quantity involved and the circumstances of the offence. While small amounts for personal use may lead to fines or mandatory counselling programs, larger quantities or cases involving distribution can result in imprisonment. Cultivation of cannabis plants for personal use is also illegal and subject to legal penalties.

Medical Use

Medical cannabis was legalised in Greece in 2017. However, the implementation of this policy faced delays, and prescriptions for medical cannabis products only became available in 2024 due to bureaucratic hurdles. Patients with qualifying conditions, such as cancer, epilepsy, and chronic pain, can access cannabis-based treatments through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. These treatments are available in pharmacies and are covered by health insurance under certain conditions. The medical cannabis programme is separate from the recreational use provisions and is subject to strict regulations.

Restrictions and Regulations

Public consumption of cannabis is prohibited and can result in fines.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and subject to penalties similar to those for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Despite state legalisation, cannabis remains illegal under federal law, which can affect various aspects such as banking and transportation.

The Legal Foundation: Law 4139/2013 and Its Amendments

Greek drug control centres on Law 4139/2013, which classifies cannabis as a narcotic and sets separate pathways for personal use and trafficking. A series of amendments, most recently Law 4801/2021, has streamlined medical licensing but left recreational rules intact. Under Article 29, possession solely for personal use carries a maximum custodial term of five months, though first‑time offenders are routinely diverted to counselling or community service. Trafficking, cultivation for profit and organised distribution remain felonies that attract sentences ranging from eight years to life, especially when aggravating factors such as supply to minors or involvement of public officials are present.

Personal Possession and Consumption

If police find cannabis on your person, they will first consider whether the quantity and circumstances point to personal use. Greek law sets no fixed gram limit; instead, prosecutors weigh purity, packaging and the owner’s statement. Conviction for simple possession typically leads to a fine of two hundred to two thousand euros or a suspended sentence of up to five months. Repeat offences within five years erase the chance of suspension and make a short custodial term more likely. Importantly, smoking or vaping in any public space including beaches, café terraces and parked cars is forbidden. Officers patrol tourist districts and will confiscate even a partially smoked joint, issuing a fine on the spot.

Cultivation at Home

Greek courts recognise a limited right to grow cannabis exclusively for personal therapeutic or recreational use, provided the number of plants and expected yield are modest and entirely for the cultivator’s own consumption. Balcony plants visible from the street or indoor grows equipped with commercial lighting systems usually persuade judges that the intention goes beyond personal use. Cultivators found with yields that exceed this threshold face charges of production with intent to supply, pushing potential sentences into the multi‑year range.

Cultivation Laws

Adults aged 21 and over may cultivate up to six marijuana plants for personal use, provided they are grown in an enclosed, locked area. However, cultivation is only permitted if the individual resides more than 25 miles from the nearest dispensary.

CBD Products

Cannabidiol (CBD) products are legal in Greece, provided they contain no more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These products are widely available in health food stores, pharmacies, and online retailers. They are commonly used for various wellness purposes, such as stress relief and sleep aid. However, the sale of CBD products is subject to specific regulations, and they cannot be marketed with medicinal claims unless authorised by health authorities.

Cultivation

Cultivating cannabis is illegal in Greece. 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. Greece 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.

Summary

Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Greece, with strict penalties for possession, use, cultivation, 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. Public advocacy for cannabis legalisation is also prohibited. Individuals should exercise caution and adhere to local laws to avoid legal consequences.