Yes, CBD products are legal in Greece, but since May 2026 they may only be sold to consumers through licensed cannabis-product shops and pharmacies. As of October 2026, Greek drugs law excludes raw hemp from varieties with up to 0.3% THC from the definition of narcotics, and Law 5302/2026 names products containing CBD among the "cannabis products" that may be sold at retail. Dried hemp flower may not be sold to, bought by or used by consumers, whatever its THC content. Cannabis with more THC is still a narcotic, except for authorised medical cannabis products.
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- Is CBD a narcotic?
- No. Law 5302/2026 lists products containing CBD among the cannabis products that may be sold to consumers
- Hemp THC limit
- Up to 0.3% THC for raw harvested hemp (Law 4139/2013, art. 1(3), as amended in May 2026)
- Where CBD may be sold
- Only licensed cannabis-product shops and pharmacies; no sales to minors and no vending machines (Law 5302/2026, art. 47)
- Dried hemp flower
- Retail sale, purchase and use by consumers banned, whatever the THC content (Law 4139/2013, art. 1(3A))
- Medical cannabis
- Products with more than 0.2% THC need a special approval from the National Organization for Medicines (EOF)
- Cannabis for personal use
- Up to five months' imprisonment (Law 4139/2013, art. 29)
Is cannabis legal in Greece?
No. Cannabis with THC is a narcotic under Greece's drugs law, Law 4139/2013. Buying, possessing or using drugs for your own use, or growing cannabis plants for your own use, is punished with up to five months' imprisonment (article 29). A court may leave the offence unpunished if it was entirely occasional and unlikely to be repeated, and such convictions are not shown on copies of the criminal record issued for general use.
Hemp is treated differently. Article 1(3) of the same law says that raw harvested products from Cannabis sativa L. varieties with up to 0.3% THC are not narcotics. The limit was 0.2% until Law 5302/2026 raised it in May 2026.
What changed with Law 5302/2026?
Law 5302/2026 was published in the Government Gazette (FEK A' 78) on 20 May 2026. Its articles 43 to 51 created a new framework for cannabis products:
- A legal definition. "Cannabis products" are products with up to 0.3% THC made from hemp varieties with up to 0.3% THC, or products that contain cannabidiol (CBD). Food is excluded from the definition (article 46).
- THC in foods, cosmetics and food supplements. These are not narcotics when they contain THC within limits set by joint ministerial decisions, except baby food and tobacco or vaping products (article 1(3) of Law 4139/2013, as amended).
- Exclusive points of sale. Cannabis products may be sold to consumers only by licensed cannabis-product shops listed in a register, and by licensed pharmacies (article 47).
- Penalties. A shop that breaks the licensing and operating rules faces a €100,000 fine and a six-month suspension of its licence (article 51).
The EOF has confirmed that the new rules on cannabis products do not apply to finished medical cannabis products.
Where can you buy CBD in Greece?
Under article 47, a cannabis-product shop must operate in a separate, purpose-built shop that is at least 200 metres from secondary schools. It must check the age of every buyer with an official ID, may not sell to or through minors and may not use vending machines. To get a licence from its regional authority, the shop must declare that its products contain no chemical analogues of THC or CBD with a psychotropic effect. Pharmacies may also sell cannabis products.
Why is hemp flower banned in Greece?
Law 5302/2026 added paragraph 3A to article 1 of the drugs law. It says dried flower intended for retail sale does not count as a raw harvested product, so the hemp exemption does not cover it. Retail sale, distribution and supply of dried hemp flower to consumers, and its purchase and use by consumers, are banned throughout Greece, processed or unprocessed. Import, storage and wholesale of dried flower intended only for industrial processing, such as cosmetics production, remain allowed. The EOF published a notice on the ban on 21 May 2026.
Which rules apply to which CBD product?
| Product type | Main rules | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| CBD products (up to 0.3% THC) | Law 5302/2026, arts. 46–51 | Retail sale only in licensed cannabis-product shops and pharmacies, to adults |
| Cosmetics | EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 | Notified in the EU portal (CPNP) before sale; THC limits for cosmetics are set by joint ministerial decision |
| Dried hemp flower | Law 4139/2013, art. 1(3A) | Banned for consumers; only for industrial processing |
| Medical cannabis (over 0.2% THC) | Law 4139/2013, arts. 2A–2IZ | Special approval from the EOF; prescription only |
| Cannabis with THC | Law 4139/2013, arts. 1 and 29 | Narcotic; personal use punished with up to five months' imprisonment |
CBD as food or a food supplement
Food is excluded from the definition of cannabis products in Law 5302/2026, so the new retail rules do not make CBD food legal. At EU level, CBD still needs authorisation as a novel food before it can be sold as food. In February 2026, EFSA set a provisional safe intake for food supplements made with highly purified CBD (at least 98% pure), but EFSA states that this is not an authorisation. Read more in our article on CBD as a novel food in the EU.
Medical cannabis in Greece
Law 4523/2018 amended the drugs law to allow the cultivation of cannabis with more than 0.2% THC and the production of finished medical cannabis products, either for supply to pharmacies, wholesalers, clinics and hospitals under EOF supervision or for export. The detailed rules are in articles 2A to 2IZ of Law 4139/2013 and in ministerial decisions, including Decision D3(g) 40642/2024 on producing, marketing and exporting finished products.
A finished medical cannabis product needs a special marketing approval from the EOF. The EOF's core summary of product characteristics, discussed by its committee on 28 September 2026, states that these products may never be a first-choice treatment and may only be prescribed when approved medicines have not been possible, tolerated or effective for the patient.
Travelling to Greece: what can you bring?
- Cannabis with THC: a narcotic. Possession for your own use is an offence under article 29 of Law 4139/2013.
- Hemp flower: the ban covers purchase and use by consumers anywhere in Greece, whatever the THC content.
- THC vapes: the exemption for THC-containing products does not cover tobacco or vaping products.
- CBD oils and cosmetics: Greek law sets rules for selling cannabis products, not for travellers' luggage.
CBD and driving in Greece
Article 25 of Law 4139/2013 punishes driving under the influence of drugs with at least five months' imprisonment, a fine of €1,000 to €15,000 and the loss of the driving licence for two to five years. Drug tests look for THC, not CBD, but full-spectrum hemp products contain small amounts of THC. Read our guide to CBD, drug tests and driving.
From our production
Many customers still believe CBD and hemp products are illegal, and many journalists don't know the difference between cannabis and hemp, or translate cannabis flowers as hashish. It misleads consumers.
— Robin Roy Krigslund-Hansen, co-founder and CEO
Frequently asked questions
Is CBD legal in Greece?
Yes. Law 5302/2026 defines products containing CBD as cannabis products that may be sold to consumers. Since May 2026, they may only be sold to adults in licensed cannabis-product shops and pharmacies.
Is cannabis legal in Greece?
No. Cannabis with THC is a narcotic under Law 4139/2013, and possession for personal use is punished with up to five months' imprisonment. Hemp with up to 0.3% THC is not a narcotic, and medical cannabis is allowed on prescription.
Can I buy CBD hemp flower in Greece?
No. Since May 2026, the retail sale of dried hemp flower to consumers, and its purchase and use by consumers, are banned throughout Greece, whatever the THC content.
What is the THC limit for hemp in Greece?
0.3%. Law 5302/2026 raised the limit for raw harvested hemp from 0.2% to 0.3%, and cannabis products sold at retail may contain up to 0.3% THC.
Is medical cannabis legal in Greece?
Yes. Finished medical cannabis products with more than 0.2% THC need a special approval from the EOF and are prescribed only when approved medicines have not been possible, tolerated or effective.
Related guides
This article is general information about the law as of October 2026. It is not legal advice, and laws and their interpretation can change. Check the current rules with the Greek authorities before you buy, travel or sell. Formula Swiss CBD oils are sold as cosmetics for use on the skin. They are not food supplements or medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Last reviewed:
Sources
- Law 4139/2013 on addictive substances, consolidated text, arts. 1, 2A, 25 and 29. Lawspot.
- Law 5302/2026 (FEK A' 78/20.05.2026), arts. 43 and 46–51. Kodiko.
- EOF. Ban on the retail sale of dried cannabis flower products, 21 May 2026.
- EOF. Cannabis products, 28 May 2026.
- EOF. About the legislation on medical cannabis (PDF, 2025).
- EOF. Medical cannabis.
- EOF. Core summary of product characteristics for finished medical cannabis products (PDF), 28 September 2026.
- EFSA. Provisional safe level for cannabidiol as a novel food, 9 February 2026.
- European Commission. Cosmetics legislation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009).
- Formula Swiss. Registered, compliant and legal products.
