Cannabis in Crete: Legal Status, Medical Use and Warnings

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Is Weed Legal in Crete?

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is known for its beaches, food, and rich cultural history. But despite its relaxed vibe, weed is not legal in Crete—and the country’s drug laws are clear and strictly enforced. While medical cannabis is legal under specific conditions, recreational use remains a criminal offence, and even small-scale possession can lead to arrest.

If you’re visiting Crete and considering using cannabis, it’s important to understand what’s allowed, what’s not, and the consequences of breaking the law.

Is Cannabis Legal in Greece?

No. Greece, including Crete, maintains strict laws against recreational cannabis. While many European countries have moved toward decriminalisation or regulation, Greece continues to treat cannabis as a controlled substance.

However, in recent years, Greece has opened the door to regulated medical cannabis and industrial hemp, creating some legal nuance—but not for casual users or tourists.

Recreational Use: Still Illegal

Under Greek law, possessing, using, or buying cannabis is a criminal offence, regardless of whether it’s a small amount for personal use or a larger quantity.

  • First-time offenders caught with a small amount for personal use can be arrested and brought before a court.

  • The court may issue a suspended sentence or require the person to undergo drug treatment or counselling.

  • Even so, you’ll likely receive a criminal record, which could affect future travel or employment.

There is no legal “safe amount”, and police in Crete—as in the rest of Greece—take possession seriously, particularly in public places like beaches, clubs, or festivals.

Medical Cannabis in Crete

Medical cannabis is legal in Greece, including on Crete, but access is limited and tightly regulated.

  • Greece legalised medical cannabis in 2017, followed by reforms in 2021 allowing the cultivation and production of medical cannabis products.

  • Only certain cannabis-derived pharmaceutical products are approved, such as Sativex for MS-related spasticity.

  • Patients must have a prescription from a Greek doctor, and the treatment must be for a recognised condition like:

    • Chronic pain

    • Cancer symptoms

    • Epilepsy

    • Multiple sclerosis

  • As of 2025, availability is still limited, and tourists cannot legally access medical cannabis in Greece, even with prescriptions from other countries.

CBD and Hemp Products

CBD (cannabidiol) is legal in Greece if it contains less than 0.2% THC, in line with EU regulations.

  • You can buy CBD oils, capsules, skincare, and vape products in shops and online.

  • However, CBD buds or flowers are not clearly legal, and they may be mistaken for THC-rich cannabis, leading to confusion with law enforcement.

  • If travelling with CBD, keep the original packaging and documentation of THC content to avoid complications.

Cannabis Cultivation and Trafficking

Growing cannabis plants at home—even for personal use—is illegal in Greece.

  • Cultivation is considered intent to supply, which is a serious offence.

  • Penalties can include imprisonment from 5 to 8 years, depending on the quantity and intent.

  • Sale or trafficking of cannabis carries severe prison terms, ranging from 5 years to life, particularly if minors are involved or the offence is connected to organised crime.

Penalties for Cannabis Offences in Crete

1. Possession (personal use):

  • Arrest and court appearance

  • May receive a suspended sentence or rehabilitation order

  • Cannabis is confiscated; a criminal record usually follows

2. Possession (larger amounts):

  • Treated as intent to distribute

  • Penalties: 1 to 5 years in prison, depending on circumstances

3. Trafficking or Cultivation:

  • Criminal offence with 5–20 years in prison

  • Large-scale or repeat offences can lead to life sentences

4. Public Use:

  • Using cannabis in public areas like beaches, bars, or near tourist sites may lead to faster police response, heavier fines, or detention

Tourist Advice: Don’t Risk It

While Greece may have a laid-back image, it is not relaxed about drugs, and this includes Crete. Tourists caught with cannabis face the same legal process as residents.

  • Don’t buy or use weed from locals or other tourists

  • Don’t bring cannabis or THC products into the country, even with a foreign prescription

  • Airport and ferry port checks are random but strict

  • Police have authority to search, test, and detain individuals suspected of drug use

Future Outlook

While Greece has embraced medical cannabis cultivation and positioned itself as a producer for export, the domestic market remains tightly controlled. The government has shown little interest in legalising recreational use, and no decriminalisation plans are currently in motion.

The country's drug policy remains conservative, even as medical production expands for economic purposes.

In Summary:

  • Cannabis is illegal in Crete for recreational use—possession, use, and cultivation carry criminal penalties

  • Medical cannabis is legal with a Greek prescription, but access is very limited

  • CBD is legal if it contains less than 0.2% THC, but confusion around CBD flowers can cause issues

  • Tourists face serious risks if caught with cannabis, even in small amounts

Crete may offer sun, sea, and adventure—but when it comes to weed, the law is clear: don’t bring it, buy it, or use it.