Is CBD legal in Greece in 2025?
Globally, nations are taking note of this trend, prompting them to revisit and often revise their drug regulations to stay abreast of both commercial and scientific advancements. Is weed legal in Greece? Is CBD legal in Greece? These questions are becoming increasingly relevant as the European Union (EU) works to harmonize CBD regulations across its member states, including Greece, which has seen a growing market for CBD products.
This regulatory shift is part of a broader trend where countries, including Greece, are evaluating the legal status of cannabis and CBD, grappling with their implications on public health and law enforcement.
CBD products are creating a significant buzz worldwide, driven by an expanding array of scientific studies that highlight their potential health benefits. This has sparked considerable interest among those suffering from various health ailments, looking for alternative remedies. In response, a multitude of new businesses has sprung up, each offering its own unique CBD formulations.
Nonetheless, we at Essentia Pura believe that much more can and should be done to encourage CBD businesses in the EU as well as around the world.
To help this effort we have prepared an overview article of the EU regulations and in-depth articles about different countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Austria, and Ireland.
Greece CBD culture
Greece is not only a renowned holiday destination but also a burgeoning hub for the cannabis industry. Boasting one of the longest histories with CBD products, Greece has been at the forefront of cannabis discussions for thousands of years, even before the specific effects of CBD were understood.
Today, the tradition of using cannabis and its derivatives continues to thrive, with Greece's CBD culture growing more robust each day. If you're keen to dive deeper into this topic, this series will guide you through the intricate legal landscape of CBD in Greece.
In the first installment, we will clarify basic terminologies related to CBD. The focus will then shift to the comprehensive legal framework governing narcotics in Greece. We'll examine the legality surrounding the use, cultivation, and production of cannabis. Additionally, we will detail the current legal status of CBD in Greece, highlighting recent legislative developments. The discussion will extend to the regulation of medical cannabis and conclude with practical advice on purchasing CBD products and launching your own CBD business within the legal confines of Greek law.
Basic CBD information
Marijuana often captures the most attention among cannabis types, particularly when discussing cannabis laws in Greece. What sets it apart is THC, a compound known for causing the psychoactive "high" sensation. Due to this effect, it is generally restricted or outright banned by governments, with Greece being no exception.
Under Greek law, the cultivation of marijuana, as well as its recreational use, are illegal activities. This also extends to the sale and purchase of marijuana, which are prohibited.
Given these restrictions, the question arises: While recreational use is off the table, what about the medical use of marijuana in Greece? How does the law treat this?
Marijuana
Marijuana often captures the most attention among cannabis types, particularly when discussing cannabis laws in Greece. What sets it apart is THC, a compound known for causing the psychoactive "high" sensation. Due to this effect, it is generally restricted or outright banned by governments, with Greece being no exception.
Under Greek law, the cultivation of marijuana, as well as its recreational use, are illegal activities. This also extends to the sale and purchase of marijuana, which are prohibited.
Given these restrictions, the question arises: While recreational use is off the table, what about the medical use of marijuana in Greece? How does the law treat this?
Medical cannabis
In 2018 the Greek parliament amended the cannabis law and opened a path for medical cannabis in Greece. At the same time, two pharmaceutical companies were able to obtain the necessary permit to start producing medicine from cannabis plants. Since then production and processing plants have become more common in Greece. Perhaps this signals wider changes in Athens' policy and maybe even in the region as a whole. Hopefully, more countries will adopt changes to their drug laws and allow cannabis for medical use.
You should note that medical marijuana is not freely available. So how can you get it?
If you want to get your hands on medical cannabis in Greece you need to get a prescription from your doctor. Only then can you buy the product from a licensed pharmacy in Greece.
Hemp
Hemp, the second variety of cannabis, has a longstanding history in Greece. Historical records trace the earliest instances of cannabis cultivation and hemp production to Greece, where it was a significant industry component until the 1950s. Following a broad policy shift, hemp cultivation was banned, a prohibition that was only recently lifted. Today, hemp is regaining its status as a crucial element of the Greek cannabis industry.
The primary difference between hemp and other cannabis types lies in the THC content. Industrial hemp typically contains negligible amounts of THC, usually less than 0.2%, aligning with the threshold set by EU cannabis regulations. Despite its low THC levels, hemp is rich in other valuable compounds, including CBD, making it a key player in the industry.
In Greece, the cultivation and use of hemp are legal, subject to certain restrictions such as the necessity for government approval. Prospective growers must secure a permit from the government before they can plant cannabis seeds for hemp production.
Now, let's address the core focus of this article: What is CBD?
CBD explained
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 113 cannabinoids that come from cannabis. CBD is extracted from cannabis in such a way that it is isolated from other cannabinoids. Most importantly, it can be separated from THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis. This is a major reason why a lot of people are drawn to it.
You can learn more about the process of extraction and separation here.
Scientists have conducted a wealth of research into CBD in the last couple of years. The results look promising. Nonetheless, the benefits of CBD and cannabis products are often blown out of proportion by enthusiasts. If you want some fact-checked information on the benefits, you are welcome to read this overview written by our team.
CBD in Greece
The legal status of CBD oil in Greece is closely tied to the country’s cannabis regulations. As mentioned earlier, marijuana is generally illegal, but the Greek parliament and government have been taking steps toward potential legal reforms. On the other hand, hemp is legal for both cultivation and use, albeit with certain restrictions.
Given this framework, it is no surprise that hemp-derived CBD oil is the most widely available product on the market.
In Greece, CBD oil is legal as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. This means that only CBD extracted from hemp meets the legal requirements. Additionally, medical cannabis in Greece is available with a doctor’s prescription, but its use is strictly limited to medical purposes.
Buying and selling CBD oil in Greece
As promised at the beginning of the article, we will give you some helpful tips on where and how to buy CBD oil and related cannabis products if you are a consumer. We will provide you some information on how to efficiently sell CBD oil and similar products if you are an aspiring entrepreneur.
Buying CBD oil
You can legally purchase CBD extracted from hemp without restrictions in Greece. It is readily available in pharmacies and health stores across major cities.
If you're looking for a wider variety of CBD products, buying CBD oil online is a great alternative. E-commerce offers a convenient and safe way to shop, allowing you to explore products from different countries and read customer reviews before making a purchase.
Do you have a medical condition that you believe could benefit from cannabis treatment?
In that case, you will need a doctor’s prescription to access medical cannabis in Greece. Fortunately, the process is easier in Greece than in many other European Union countries.
Above all, always verify the legitimacy of the store you are purchasing from. Ensure that they are a licensed business selling only legal products. Additionally, avoid companies that make unrealistic health claims about their CBD oil, as this is often a red flag.
Setting Up a CBD Business in Greece
If you plan to launch a CBD oil company in Greece, you must strictly adhere to cannabis production laws to ensure compliance with local regulations.
One of the most crucial steps is carefully vetting your CBD product supplier. Ensure they comply with Greek cannabis laws to avoid potential legal issues. Work only with accredited buyers and licensed CBD dealers to maintain regulatory compliance. Your supplier should provide THC-free CBD oil extracted from hemp plants containing less than 0.2% THC. Aligning with EU cannabis regulations.1,2
It is advisable to source your CBD products from EU-based manufacturers. Since CBD is classified as a "Novel Food" in the European Union, securing Novel Food Authorization before selling CBD products in Greece or other EU nations can streamline compliance and distribution.3
If your goal is to sell medical cannabis in Greece, the requirements are much stricter. You must be a registered pharmacist, making entry into this market significantly more challenging. We strongly recommend consulting local legal experts to navigate the specific licensing requirements.
Although EU member states must permit the sale of CBD products legally produced in another EU country, local regulations take precedence. Each country may impose specific requirements on CBD product labeling, such as:
- "Originating from an authorized variety of cannabis"
- "Not for medical use"
Failure to meet these local regulatory requirements can result in your CBD products being held at customs. It is essential to stay informed about import regulations to ensure smooth distribution across European markets.
Selling CBD
Since CBD products are widely available in Greece, it is safe to say that any product based on CBD isolate is fully legal. Broad-spectrum CBD products are also permitted, as they do not contain THC. However, caution is advised when importing full-spectrum CBD products, as legal uncertainties remain. It is always recommended to request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the manufacturer and seek legal advice before importing such products. Currently, CBD products in Greece must adhere to the THC limit of 0.2%, though this threshold may increase to 0.3% in the future under the new EU Common Agricultural Policy for 2023. To ensure compliance, it is advisable to only sell or import CBD products with THC levels well below 0.2%.5
Furthermore, it is also recommended that one should seek legal advice when importing or selling any CBD product that contains THC, even within a legally allowed limit. Since the law regarding THC content is quite blurry. The law in Greece allows unprocessed cannabis products to have THC under 0.2%, but this does not essentially mean that this law applies to food supplements for human consumption5.
Based on the latest updates, CBD supplements made from CBD isolate and containing zero THC are fully legal in Greece. However, any CBD product containing THC, even if legally produced in other EU countries, must be handled with great care and only imported after legal verification.5
Conclusion: Is CBD oil legal?
So is CBD oil legal? Let us quickly recap.
Greece recently changed its drug laws. As a result, Greece's CBD production is rising. CBD oil is now legal in the country so long as it is extracted from hemp. This is the cannabis that has less than 0.2 % THC content. If you want to purchase CBD oil with more THC you can do so with a prescription. This is called medical cannabis. Medical use is legal in Greece.
The production of cannabis must be approved by the government. Recreational use of the plant with more than 0. 2% THC is still not legal and is considered substance abuse. Cultivation of cannabis is allowed for certain purposes in Greece.
The law is changing in the country and these changes are introducing a more generous treatment of CBD oil and medical cannabis in Greece.
About us
At Essentia Pura, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality white-label and private-label CBD products, helping businesses launch their own unique CBD brands. With cutting-edge hemp extraction methods and a commitment to compliance and quality, we support companies in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Whether you’re looking for ready-to-market formulations or custom solutions, we’re here to help you succeed in the growing CBD market.
