Cannabis in Cyprus: What’s Legal and What’s Not

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Is Weed Legal in Cyprus?

Cyprus, with its Mediterranean climate and scenic coastlines, may seem like a relaxed place to unwind—but when it comes to cannabis, the island follows strict laws. Weed is not legal in Cyprus for recreational use, and penalties for possession, use, or trafficking can be severe. However, medical cannabis is legal under certain conditions, and industrial hemp is regulated.

Whether you're a resident or a visitor, understanding the cannabis laws in Cyprus is important—because even small infractions can lead to big consequences.

Is Recreational Cannabis Legal in Cyprus?

No, recreational cannabis is illegal in Cyprus. It is classified as a Class B drug under Cypriot law, alongside substances such as amphetamines and barbiturates.

The law applies uniformly across the island, including tourist hotspots like Limassol, Paphos, Ayia Napa, and Nicosia.

Possession:

  • Any amount of cannabis—even for personal use—is considered illegal.

  • First-time possession may lead to arrest, detention, and a court hearing.

  • Sentences can vary, but a criminal record is likely, and fines or suspended sentences are common.

Use in Public:

  • Using cannabis in public is a criminal offence.

  • Police have the right to search and arrest individuals suspected of possession or use.

  • Tourists caught using cannabis face the same legal consequences as residents.

Cyprus has no decriminalisation policy for cannabis. Even small quantities can trigger a legal process.

Medical Cannabis in Cyprus

Medical cannabis became legal in Cyprus in 2019 through a law permitting its use for specific health conditions.

Who Can Access It?

  • Only patients with serious or chronic conditions, such as:

    • Cancer

    • HIV/AIDS

    • Degenerative diseases

    • Chronic pain (under specialist approval)

How It Works:

  • Medical cannabis must be prescribed by a registered specialist doctor.

  • Patients must receive approval from the Ministry of Health.

  • Products are obtained through licensed pharmacies and are strictly regulated.

Medical cannabis in Cyprus is typically available as oils or capsules, not dried flower.

For now, access is limited to residents. Tourists cannot legally bring or buy medical cannabis in Cyprus—even with a foreign prescription.

Industrial Hemp and CBD

Cyprus allows industrial hemp cultivation, and CBD products are legal as long as they comply with EU regulations:

  • Hemp must contain less than 0.2% THC.

  • CBD oil, capsules, and skincare products are available in pharmacies and health shops.

  • CBD flowers or buds can be problematic, as they may be mistaken for illegal cannabis.

Importing or exporting CBD products should be done with caution, especially when travelling between countries with different THC thresholds.

Cannabis Laws in Northern Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is divided between the Republic of Cyprus (an EU member state) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only recognised by Turkey.

  • In Northern Cyprus, cannabis is also illegal for recreational use.

  • Penalties for possession are strict and can include prison sentences.

  • Enforcement in the north is considered harsher than in the south.

Crossing the border with cannabis—or any substance considered illegal—can result in prosecution, even for small quantities.

Penalties for Cannabis Offences

Cyprus has a zero-tolerance policy, and drug offences can lead to:

1. Possession (first offence, small amount):

  • Police investigation and court appearance

  • Possible fine, suspended sentence, or community service

  • Criminal record likely

2. Possession of larger amounts or repeat offences:

  • Treated as possession with intent to supply

  • Penalties include longer prison terms, from 1 to 8 years

3. Trafficking or Distribution:

  • Classified as a serious criminal offence

  • Can result in 10 to 20 years in prison

4. Cultivation:

  • Growing cannabis at home is illegal

  • Cultivation, even for personal use, can result in criminal prosecution

Tourist Warning

Tourists in Cyprus should not attempt to bring cannabis or cannabis products into the country, even if purchased legally elsewhere.

  • Customs officers perform routine checks at airports and ports.

  • Being caught with cannabis—even in vape cartridges or edibles—can lead to detainment and criminal charges.

  • “I didn’t know” is not accepted as a legal defence.

Future Outlook

While Cyprus has made progress with medical cannabis regulation, there are no current plans to legalise or decriminalise recreational cannabis.

The government maintains a firm stance on drug enforcement, though ongoing EU-wide discussions on cannabis reform may influence future policy shifts.

In Summary:

  • Weed is illegal in Cyprus for recreational use, and possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.

  • Medical cannabis is legal, but strictly controlled and limited to approved patients.

  • CBD is legal if it contains less than 0.2% THC.

  • Tourists should not bring or use cannabis, as the penalties are serious.

Cyprus may be relaxed in atmosphere, but when it comes to cannabis, the law is strict—and the consequences are real.