Is CBD legal in Greece?
David ReichUpdated:The essentials at a glance:
Is CBD legal in Greece? Yes, provided it is derived from EU industrial hemp and is non-intoxicating. For raw harvested products, a THC content of up to 0.3% applies. Medical cannabis products with more than 0.2% THC are regulated separately and cannot be imported for domestic use. Travellers may generally carry CBD products that are legally available in the country of purchase. It is advisable to carry a certificate of analysis (CoA) and the original packaging. Flower products are more frequently subject to checks. Hemp seed products are subject to EU maximum THC levels. Travel within the EU is usually straightforward, provided the labelling is clear and consistent.
Is CBD legal in Greece? (Travel & local law explained)
CBD is legal in Greece under certain conditions. The key point is that it must come from approved industrial hemp and meet strict THC rules.
CBD from approved industrial hemp is generally legal in Greece if it is non‑intoxicating and meets the national THC limits, but high‑THC medical cannabis is regulated separately and cannot be imported for domestic use.
Which products contain CBD but no THC?
First, a brief overview of which products generally contain CBD and are available without THC. THC is legally more sensitive in many countries. Here are some of the most common categories:
- CBD oils and tinctures: These liquids are usually placed under the tongue for relatively quick absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: A convenient way to take a measured amount of CBD, similar to food supplements.
- CBD edibles: This includes gummies, chocolate, drinks and other foods that contain CBD.
- CBD vape products: These products are used to inhale CBD vapour, such as e‑liquids and vape pens.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms that are applied to the skin for local application.
| Question | Answer (at a glance) |
|---|---|
| Is CBD generally permitted in Greece? | Yes, provided it is derived from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L) and the applicable THC limits and other legal requirements are respected. Industrial hemp is expressly excluded from Greek narcotics law. Law 4139/2013. (hellenicparliament.gr) |
| What THC reference value applies to raw industrial hemp products? | Up to 0.3% THC for “akatergasta/raw harvested” products from EU industrial hemp varieties, since 22/06/2023. KYA 628/195184/2023 (FEK Β’ 3996). (minagric.gov.gr) |
| May I bring CBD into Greece (for example by plane)? | Yes, for personal use and provided it complies with industrial hemp rules and is non‑intoxicating. It is advisable to carry a certificate of analysis (CoA). Important: End products in the medical cannabis category (>0.2% THC) may not be imported for domestic supply. EOF notice. (eof.gr) |
| Purchase/possession/use locally | With legal CBD products from industrial hemp, this is usually straightforward. For flowers, checks may occur due to the risk of confusion with high‑THC cannabis; carry the CoA and original packaging. |
| EU background | In 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union clarified that, based on the state of scientific knowledge, CBD is not a narcotic and is subject to the free movement of goods, subject to proportionate health protection measures. Case C‑663/18. (curia.europa.eu) |
CBD law in Greece: the legal framework
- Narcotics law / industrial hemp exemption: Law No. 4139/2013 (“Law on Addictive Substances”) excludes industrial hemp varieties (Cannabis sativa L) listed in the EU Common Catalogue. Activities involving these varieties do not fall under “addictive substances”. Primary source. (hellenicparliament.gr)
- THC limit for raw products: Since 22/06/2023, a THC limit of 0.3% applies to “akatergasta/raw harvested” products from industrial hemp, as laid down in joint ministerial decision KYA 628/195184/2023. FEK B’ 3996/2023. (minagric.gov.gr)
- Medical cannabis products: These are legally distinct from typical CBD products. They concern products with THC > 0.2% and are subject to a separate framework (Law 4801/2021). Law 4801/2021; see also the EOF information page. (hellenicparliament.gr, eof.gr)
- Food/THC maximum levels in hemp seed products: The Greek General Chemical State Laboratory (AADE/ΓΧΚ) has officially announced the EU maximum levels. These are relevant for hemp‑seed‑based products such as hemp seed oil. AADE notice on implementation. (aade.gr)
EU level: The Court of Justice of the European Union (C‑663/18 “CBD/KanaVape”) confirmed that CBD as such is not a narcotic and that the rules on the free movement of goods (Articles 34/36 TFEU) apply, provided that national measures are proportionate. Judgment of 19/11/2020. (curia.europa.eu)
Greek law excludes approved industrial hemp from narcotics rules, sets a 0.3% THC limit for raw hemp products, and treats higher‑THC medical cannabis under a separate, stricter system.
Can you bring CBD to Greece? (Including air travel)
For personal use, legal CBD products based on industrial hemp can generally be carried when travelling to Greece, as long as they are non‑intoxicating and respect Greek hemp and THC rules.
Below is an overview of typical CBD travel rules for Greece in different scenarios:
| Travel scenario | What usually applies in practice? | Recommended documents in your luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Within the EU/Schengen (e.g. UK → Greece) | Carrying legal, non‑intoxicating CBD products for personal use is usually unproblematic if they are derived from industrial hemp and the packaging and labelling are clear. | Printed certificate of analysis (CoA) with batch number, residual THC content and manufacturer details; original packaging and proof of purchase. |
| Entry from non‑EU countries | Check whether the product from the country of origin complies with industrial hemp rules. If in doubt, declare it and present the CoA. | CoA, original packaging, invoice if available; only small quantities for personal use. |
| Medical cannabis end products (>0.2% THC) with prescription | Do not bring these for domestic use. The national medicines authority EOF refers to an import ban for such end products. EOF. (eof.gr) | Carrying such products is not recommended; seek medical or official advice in advance on options available locally. |
| Liquid products (oils) in hand luggage | Observe the usual rules on liquids at airports (container size and plastic bag limits). | Small, tightly closed containers; CoA and label clearly legible. |
| CBD flowers | Visually, these are difficult to distinguish from high‑THC cannabis flowers, so there is a higher likelihood of checks. Temporary confiscation for laboratory tests is possible. | Sealed original packaging, CoA clearly showing a low THC value, proof of purchase. |
Tip: Keep a paper copy of the CoA and a digital copy (QR code or link) on your smartphone. Make sure the batch numbers are clearly visible and match your product.
When bringing CBD into Greece, travel with clearly labelled industrial‑hemp products, keep quantities personal, avoid medical cannabis items over 0.2% THC, and carry a matching certificate of analysis.
Buying, possessing and using CBD in Greece
- Purchase/distribution: CBD products based on industrial hemp are possible on the Greek market, provided they are non‑intoxicating and meet the statutory THC requirements (up to 0.3% THC for raw products). KYA 628/195184/2023. (minagric.gov.gr)
- Possession: Possession of legal CBD products from industrial hemp is generally not a criminal offence, because industrial hemp is exempt from the narcotics regime. Law 4139/2013. (hellenicparliament.gr)
- Use: In public, the use of legal, non‑intoxicating CBD products is possible. Usual rules still apply: respect smoking bans indoors and be considerate of others. When driving, many people prefer THC‑free or broad‑spectrum products to avoid any potential implications associated with residual THC.
- Food & hemp seed products: Hemp seeds and their derivatives are subject to EU‑wide THC maximum levels, which have been officially announced in Greece by the AADE/ΓΧΚ (relevant, for example, for hemp seed oil and similar foods). AADE communication. (aade.gr)
Important: “Medical cannabis products” are regulated separately (THC > 0.2%, with their own authorisation and dispensing system) and are distinct from typical CBD products available from industrial hemp. Law 4801/2021, EOF. (hellenicparliament.gr, eof.gr)
Practical CBD tips for tourists in Greece
- Carry a CoA (printed and digital) showing the low THC content and the batch number of your product.
- Transport products in their original packaging with a legible label, and keep your proof of purchase.
- For air travel, pack oils and liquids in small containers and protect them against leakage.
- Expect increased checks if you travel with CBD flowers. Cooperate calmly if this happens – the aim is usually analytical clarification.
- When travelling between EU countries, you can also refer to CJEU case law on the free movement of goods in relation to CBD. C‑663/18. (curia.europa.eu)
CBD legality in Greece: quick overviews
What is permitted – and what is more sensitive?
| Category | Examples | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| CBD oils, capsules, topicals | Products from EU industrial hemp, non‑intoxicating, clearly labelled | Generally unproblematic to buy and possess if they comply with hemp and THC rules. Carry a CoA. |
| CBD flowers | Indoor/outdoor flowers from EU industrial hemp | Legal, but a higher risk of checks due to possible confusion with high‑THC cannabis. Always carry CoA and original packaging. |
| Medical cannabis products | THC‑containing (>0.2%) preparations/medicines | Separate legal framework; no import for domestic supply. EOF. (eof.gr) |
| Hemp seed products | e.g. hemp seeds, hemp seed oil | Subject to officially announced THC maximum levels. AADE notice. (aade.gr) |
Key legal points (with sources)
| Topic | Rule | Primary source |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial hemp exemption in narcotics law | Industrial hemp varieties (EU catalogue) do not fall under “addictive substances”. | Law 4139/2013. (hellenicparliament.gr) |
| THC threshold for raw products | 0.3% THC since 22/06/2023 | KYA 628/195184/2023. (minagric.gov.gr) |
| Medical cannabis end products | Separate framework (>0.2% THC); import of final end products for domestic supply not permitted | Law 4801/2021, EOF. (hellenicparliament.gr, eof.gr) |
| Hemp seed products (THC maximum levels) | Official publication of EU limits in Greece | AADE. (aade.gr) |
| EU free movement of goods / CBD ≠ narcotic | CBD is not a narcotic under EU law; restrictions must be proportionate | CJEU C‑663/18. (curia.europa.eu) |
Are there regional differences in Greece?
No. Greece is a unitary state and the legal situation for CBD applies nationwide, on the mainland and the islands.
Differences in practice may only arise from the intensity of checks and local enforcement (for example regarding CBD flowers), not from differing regional laws.
FAQ: Is CBD legal in Greece for travellers?
Do I have to declare CBD at customs?
Within the EU, usually not. When entering from non‑EU countries, declaring it can be prudent in case of doubt, especially for CBD flowers or products that might be confused with high‑THC cannabis.
Can I use my CBD oil in the hotel?
Yes, provided it is legal, non‑intoxicating and in line with Greek CBD law. Respect house rules and smoking bans.
Why is the certificate of analysis (CoA) important?
It provides objective information on the very low THC content and can help avoid misunderstandings with customs or police if there are checks.
For CBD use and travel in Greece, stick to clearly labelled industrial‑hemp CBD, keep documents such as a CoA and receipt, avoid high‑THC medical cannabis imports, and follow general public‑order and smoking rules.
Further official information on CBD and hemp in Greece
- Greek narcotics law – industrial hemp exemption: Law 4139/2013. (hellenicparliament.gr)
- THC limit of 0.3% for raw harvested industrial hemp products: KYA 628/195184/2023 (FEK B’ 3996). (minagric.gov.gr)
- Medical cannabis products (framework): Law 4801/2021 and the EOF portal. (hellenicparliament.gr, eof.gr)
- Hemp seeds/derivatives – publication of THC maximum levels: AADE/ΓΧΚ. (aade.gr)
- EU judgment on CBD and free movement of goods: CJEU, C‑663/18, 19/11/2020. (curia.europa.eu)
Note: This article is intended as a general guide and does not replace individual legal advice. Always check the latest official information before travelling.