Is CBD legal in Greece? [2025 update]

If you’re thinking of expanding your CBD business into Greece, the question “Is CBD legal in Greece?” probably came to you. We’re continuing our series of articles in the “Cannabinoids Legality” section of our blog and this one is specially adapted for Greece – we invite you to keep reading and dive deeper into the legal aspects of CBD in Greece. 

CBD is gaining popularity across Europe, and Greece can also be mentioned as a great location within this evolving landscape. Known for its ancient history and agricultural traditions, Greece also offers profitable ground for the CBD industry. While CBD has only quite recently become mainstream, Greece’s connection to hemp and CBD is very old, with references to hemp’s use dating back thousands of years. This historical familiarity with hemp helps Greece stand out as a promising market for CBD, especially as more businesses explore opportunities in the country. 

As of 2024, CBD products are legal in Greece as long as they have less than 0.2% THC. Laws regarding CBD’s production, sale, and labeling might be subject to change, reflecting both EU-wide standards and local regulations. Businesses aiming to enter Greece’s CBD market should stay updated on these legal frameworks, as compliance is one the most important nuances of the fastly growing CBD industry.

Hemp cultivation in Greece

Greece’s relationship with hemp has been known for centuries, with early records of hemp cultivation and its uses documented in ancient Greek texts. Historically, hemp production was an important part of Greece’s economy until the mid-20th century, when a policy shift led to a complete ban. However, this has recently changed, and hemp has made a legal comeback in Greece, now playing an essential role in the CBD industry. 

Legal hemp cultivation in Greece is allowed under specific regulations, which include mandatory government approvals. New cultivators must first acquire a government permit before planting hemp seeds, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The defining factor that makes hemp legal in Greece is its low THC content – industrial hemp must contain less than 0.2% THC, as in many other EU countries. This distinction between industrial hemp and THC-rich cannabis is important to understand, as it opens the door for CBD production. Individuals seeking to cultivate or distribute CBD in Greece must comply with these legal requirements to operate successfully within the country’s growing CBD sector.

The legal status of CBD in Greece

CBD, derived from EU-certified hemp plants, is totally legal for purchase and sale in Greece as long as it meets specific standards, particularly the THC threshold of no more than 0.2%. This limit is very important, as THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for its intoxicating effects, and products with minimal THC provide the benefits of CBD without psychoactive risks. 

Despite its legal status, CBD oil exists within a “gray area” that is common in many European countries, where interpretations of CBD legality can vary. To navigate this complexity, businesses in Greece are advised to source CBD products only from reputable suppliers who ensure compliance with legal standards. This careful approach helps businesses to offer effective and safe CBD products to their customers.

Laws on THC

In Greece, cannabis with THC levels exceeding 0.2% is strictly regulated and cannot be legally consumed for recreational purposes. The country’s 1987 anti-drug law initially enforced severe penalties, including imprisonment, for cannabis use, sale, and even possession. However, changes over the years, particularly in 2013, introduced some tolerance, although Greece’s policies remain comparatively strict. 

Today, individuals caught with small quantities of cannabis for personal use can face prison sentences ranging from one to five years, although probation may be an option depending on the case. Interestingly, Greek law provides an alternative for those considered eligible by the judge, allowing them to be sent to special rehabilitation units rather than serving prison time, making sentencing more situational. 

Medical cannabis, however, holds a different legal status – high-THC cannabis may be used medicinally under certain circumstances if prescribed from the doctor. This distinction between recreational and medical cannabis laws highlights the Greek government’s cautious yet adaptable approach to cannabis regulation.

Medical cannabis

In 2024, Greece took a significant step in cannabis reform when the Greek parliament modified existing laws to permit the production and use of medical cannabis. This change allowed Greece to join a growing list of countries recognizing the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis. Shortly after this change, two pharmaceutical companies obtained licenses to cultivate and produce cannabis-based medicines, marking the beginning of a new industry. 

Since then, processing and production facilities have expanded, positioning Greece as a potential leader in the regional medical cannabis sector. 

However, access to medical cannabis in Greece is controlled and not available over the counter – patients must obtain a prescription from a licensed physician to access these products legally. This legislative shift not only supports patient access to medical cannabis but also indicates Greece’s willingness to evolve its cannabis policy, potentially influencing broader regulatory trends across Europe. 

Selling CBD in Greece

For individuals wanting to start a CBD business in Greece, strict compliance with local hemp regulations has to be ensured. Carefully choosing a supplier is the most important step to avoid potential legal issues. Suppliers must strictly adhere to the requirement that CBD products contain no more than 0.2% THC, ensuring legality under Greek law. 

Working with accredited, EU-based suppliers and CBD manufacturing experts is advantageous, as CBD products produced within the European Union often meet essential compliance standards, including the EU’s “Novel Food” classification, which requires specific authorization before CBD products can be sold. 

Additionally, CBD market entrants should be mindful of Greece’s unique labeling requirements, which are essential for customs clearance when importing CBD products. Each EU country upholds individual laws that may impact CBD importation, even for products legally manufactured in another EU nation. Thus, knowledge of local regulations and collaboration with experienced partners, such as Hempo Solutions, can ease your business operations, ensuring products meet all regulatory requirements for smooth distribution across Greece and potentially other European markets. If you have any questions, just reach out to us.

Conclusion

To summarize, CBD is legal in Greece, provided it is derived from hemp containing less than 0.2% THC. Recent legislative changes have encouraged CBD production, supporting the growth of this industry within Greece. While CBD oil with minimal THC is freely available, higher-THC products fall under the category of medical cannabis, which requires a prescription for purchase. 

Hemp production, too, is permitted, but it requires government approval to ensure compliance with Greek and EU standards. Recreational cannabis with THC levels above the 0.2% threshold remains illegal and is classified as substance abuse under Greek law. 

Greece is a great country for expanding your CBD business with many potential growth opportunities. Greece’s legal landscape continues to adapt and expand, creating an environment more helpful to both CBD business development and medical cannabis access.