Cannabis laws in Greece are strict when it comes to recreational use. Possession and use for personal enjoyment remain illegal, even in small amounts. However, since 2017, the country has allowed medical cannabis under prescription, and in 2018, it lifted restrictions on cultivation for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes. This shift means that while patients can legally access cannabis-based treatments, tourists and residents should know that recreational marijuana is still prohibited under Greek law.
Top things to remember
- Recreational cannabis is illegal, and possession can lead to fines or jail, even in small amounts.
- Medical cannabis is legal with a prescription from a Greek doctor, but costs are high.
- CBD under 0.2% THC is allowed and widely sold in shops, unlike THC products.
Overview of Cannabis Laws in Greece
Cannabis in Greece is illegal for recreational purposes. Even small amounts can lead to legal consequences, although the country has adopted a more lenient stance in recent years.
The law distinguishes between personal possession and trafficking, with penalties ranging from fines of €200 to €2,000 and a minimum prison sentence of five months. Courts often show leniency to first-time offenders, offering alternatives such as therapy or community service, but repeat offenses are taken seriously. Public consumption, especially in tourist areas, is strictly prohibited.
Medical cannabis became legal in 2017, but prescriptions only began to be issued in 2024 after years of delays. Patients with conditions like cancer, epilepsy, or chronic pain may now access cannabis oils or flowers through a doctor’s prescription.
As for CBD products, they are allowed if derived from industrial hemp with less than 0.2% THC, in line with EU regulations. These products are widely available in shops across Greece. Importantly, the laws apply equally to residents and tourists, and visitors should not expect leniency if caught with recreational marijuana.
Medical Cannabis Regulations in Greece
Greece officially legalized medical cannabis in 2017, though access for patients only became possible in 2024 due to administrative delays. Today, individuals suffering from conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, or chronic pain may receive prescriptions for cannabis-based oils or dried flowers. Treatment requires approval from the National Organization for Medicines (EOF) and a prescription from a licensed Greek doctor; foreign prescriptions are not accepted.
Costs remain a challenge, as medical cannabis in Greece can range between €250 and €750 per month, making it inaccessible for some patients. Public employees, such as teachers or doctors, face stricter rules and penalties if found to be misusing cannabis.
For tourists, there is no legal pathway to obtain medical marijuana in Greece. Prescriptions are limited to residents with authorization from local doctors, meaning visitors cannot rely on prescriptions issued in other countries. CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC are widely available, but their quality can vary, so they should be purchased from reputable sources.
Purchasing Cannabis in Greece
There are no dispensaries or legal retail shops for tourists or residents to buy marijuana. Instead, patients who qualify for medical cannabis must obtain it through a prescription from a Greek doctor and fill it at authorized pharmacies. Even then, only specific products, such as oils and dried flowers, are available, and costs can range from €250 to €750 per month.
For everyone else, cannabis can only be found on the black market, which carries significant risks. Buying or possessing marijuana without a prescription is illegal and punishable under Greek law. While sentences for small personal amounts may be limited to a maximum of five months in prison or substituted with therapy, the penalties become far harsher for larger quantities or repeated offenses.
Tourists cannot legally buy cannabis in Greece. Attempting to do so through street dealers or informal sources exposes visitors to both legal consequences and safety risks.
Where You Can and Can’t Use Cannabis in Greece
Recreational cannabis use remains illegal everywhere in Greece, regardless of setting.
Public consumption, whether in streets, parks, or nightlife districts, is strictly enforced, particularly in popular tourist hubs such as Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. Even small amounts can lead to arrest, fines, or short jail terms, and police maintain a visible presence in these areas.
In private spaces, the rules are clearer: only patients with a valid prescription may legally consume cannabis-based products. For tourists staying in hotels or Airbnbs, recreational smoking is not permitted and could result in legal issues if discovered. Property owners also have the right to prohibit any cannabis use on their premises.
Carrying cannabis while traveling is equally restricted. Without a prescription, possession is illegal, and being caught with even minor quantities can lead to penalties. For patients, it is advisable to keep all prescriptions and packaging when transporting medical cannabis. CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC are the only cannabis-related items legally allowed to be carried or used freely in Greece.
Travelling to Greece with Cannabis
Bringing cannabis into or out of Greece is strictly prohibited, regardless of whether it is legal in your home country.
Greek customs treat marijuana the same way as other controlled substances, and being caught with it (even in small amounts) can result in arrest, heavy fines, and criminal charges. This applies equally to residents, tourists, and passengers in transit.
Airport and port security in Greece is very strict, with routine checks and scanners in place. Customs officials are alert to controlled substances, and claiming that cannabis is for personal or medical use will not prevent legal action unless you are a registered patient with documentation from a Greek doctor. Even then, transporting medical cannabis across borders is not permitted.
For visitors, the safest approach is to avoid traveling with cannabis entirely. If you are interested in legal options, CBD products with less than 0.2% THC can be purchased once you are inside the country, but these must be sourced from reputable local shops.
Law Enforcement and Risks in Greece
Recreational use remains criminal, and police adopt a strict approach to enforcement. Public consumption (even small amounts or mere odor) can result in a stop, search, and possible arrest.
Cannabis-related penalties are clearly defined under Law 4139/2013:
- Personal use: Fines of €200–€2,000 or up to 5 months in prison
- Trafficking: Up to 8 years in prison
- Growing cannabis: 8+ years in prison and fines up to €500,000
These figures are supported by legal sources: personal use offenses carry up to five months of imprisonment depending on the amount and circumstances. Supply or distribution can result in sentences of up to eight years, reduced to three years if the offender is an addict or part of a network. Cultivation is viewed as highly serious, with severe penalties including extended prison terms and substantial fines.
Cultural Attitudes Toward Cannabis in Greece
Cannabis in Greece remains legally restricted for recreational use, but cultural attitudes are slowly shifting, especially among younger residents.
A 2019 survey found that around 11% of young adults had used cannabis in the past year. Moreover, sources report that despite legal constraints, the cannabis community is becoming more active and vocal, with media coverage and public debate evolving in recent years.
While there is a budding wave of acceptance, especially around medical use, social stigma persists. Recreational cannabis use remains taboo, and public consumption is not normalized.
Events such as the Athens Cannabis Expo have gained traction, drawing thousands of visitors, professionals, and advocates from Greece and beyond. Additionally, the expanding CBD market, with products sold in health shops, pharmacies, and online, is part of a cautiously growing industry.
Useful Local Tips in Greece
If you’re curious about how locals refer to cannabis, here are some authentic Greek slang terms commonly used in informal contexts:
“Μπάφος, χόρτο, φούντα, μαύρο” are slang terms for weed, sometimes also used to describe a joint. To specifically refer to a joint, “τσιγαριλίκι” is used.
The Athens Cannabis Expo is the most notable event, titled the Greek International Cannabis Expo. It gathers professionals and public attendees to showcase and inform about medical, industrial, and CBD-related products.
This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in the legal aspects and future developments of Greece’s cannabis industry. However, no 420-style festivals or public consumption events are known to legally occur in the country.
As of now, there is no mainstream 420-friendly lodging or festival culture supporting recreational cannabis in Greece. Smoking or possessing cannabis recreationally remains illegal regardless of location.
The few cannabis-themed events are industry- and research-focused, not for tourism or consumption.
Final Advice and Disclaimer
Cannabis laws in Greece are strict and actively enforced, even though medical use is now legal under specific conditions. Recreational use, possession, and trafficking remain criminal offenses with penalties ranging from fines to prison time. Laws can change quickly, so always check the latest local rules before traveling, as penalties and enforcement may be updated without much notice.
If you’re visiting Greece, the best approach is to travel smart, discreetly, and respectfully. Do not attempt to bring cannabis into or out of the country, and avoid any involvement in the black market. Stick to legal CBD products if you’re interested in cannabis-related items, and purchase them only from reputable shops.
Remember: staying informed and cautious is the safest way to enjoy your trip without unnecessary risks.