Can I use medical cannabis?
Conditional: medical cannabis is allowed by prescription; recreational use isn't. Cannabis was reclassified as a controlled medicine and Law 4523/2018 legalised domestic production (Law 4801/2021 broadened the framework). Access is by electronic prescription (IDIKA system, EOF guidance) and dispensing only at pharmacies, not reimbursed by insurance. It covers specific conditions (severe chronic/oncological pain, etc.), as a last resort when conventional therapy fails. Recreational use stays illegal (misdemeanour, Law 4139/2013). Low-THC CBD products remain legal. In short: yes by prescription, no for recreation.
📋 The rules
- Cannabis medicines: only by electronic prescription
- Dispensed only at pharmacies, not insurance-reimbursed
- For specific conditions, as a last resort
- Recreational use: illegal (Law 4139/2013)
- Low-THC CBD products: remain legal
🔓 Exceptions
- Domestic production/processing: licensed (Laws 4523/2018, 4801/2021)
- Retail of cannabis "dry flower": banned (Law 5302/2026)
- Foreign prescriptions: not automatically valid in Greece
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no "sanction" for a patient using lawfully prescribed cannabis medicine. Recreational use/possession for personal use remains an offence (up to ~5 months' imprisonment, with courts often declining to punish occasional use), while dealing is punished far more heavily. Note two points: retail sale of cannabis in "dry flower" form to consumers was banned nationwide (Law 5302/2026, regardless of THC), while CBD oils/extracts remain legal; and it's a fabrication that "recreational cannabis was legalised in 2026" — no such law exists. To stay compliant: use cannabis medicine only with a prescription from a pharmacy, and don't rely on a foreign prescription unchecked.
📎 Official sources
- Law 4523/2018 — medical cannabis production →
- EOF — medical cannabis →
- Law 4139/2013 — addictive substances →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I get medical cannabis legally?
Yes, with a doctor's electronic prescription and dispensing only from a pharmacy, for specific serious conditions and as a last resort when conventional therapies have failed. It's not covered by insurance. Use without a prescription is not legal.
Is recreational cannabis legal?
No. Recreational use and possession of cannabis remains illegal, a misdemeanour under Law 4139/2013. It's a myth and a fabrication that recreational cannabis was legalised in 2026 — no such law exists. Only medical use by prescription is legal.
How does it differ from CBD?
Low-THC CBD products remain legal and freely available. Medical cannabis is a higher-THC medicine dispensed only by prescription from a pharmacy. In addition, retail sale of cannabis in dry-flower form to consumers has now been banned.
Does a prescription from abroad work in Greece?
Not automatically. A foreign prescription isn't valid on its own in Greece. Lawful access to cannabis medicines is through a Greek electronic prescription, following EOF guidance, and dispensing from a Greek pharmacy.
What do I risk for recreational use?
Recreational possession for personal use remains an offence, with a penalty of up to about 5 months' imprisonment, though courts often decline to punish occasional use. Dealing is punished far more heavily. The only lawful route is medical use by prescription.
🔎 Common searches
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