Medical Access

Medical Cannabis in Greece: Access, Use, and the Global Standard

As the global conversation around medical cannabis evolves, Greece has emerged as a forward-thinking nation embracing plant-based medicine. At Organic Marijuana Greece, we are committed to making high-quality, organic cannabis available to those in need through legal, medical pathways, while supporting healthcare professionals with the information and tools they require to deliver compassionate care.

This article outlines the current legal landscape for medical cannabis in Greece, how patients can access prescriptions, and how doctors and pharmacists can participate in this growing sector—alongside insights from global medical cannabis leaders like Australia, Israel, and Jamaica.

Legal Overview: Medical Cannabis in Greece

Greece legalized the medical use of cannabis in 2017, with full production and processing permitted under Law 4523/2018. This legislation allows the cultivation, processing, and sale of medical cannabis products for therapeutic use, aligning with European Union regulations.

Under Greek law:

Medical cannabis is prescription-only.
Only licensed doctors can prescribe cannabis-based medications.
Pharmacies are the primary point of dispensing.
The THC limit for non-medical CBD products remains below 0.2%, while higher-THC formulations are classified strictly as medicinal.

The Greek government has also granted licenses to producers meeting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, allowing for domestic cultivation and EU-wide export.

How to Obtain a Medical Cannabis Prescription in Greece

Access to medical cannabis in Greece follows a structured, doctor-led process:

1. Patient Consultation

Patients must consult a licensed medical practitioner to discuss their condition, medical history, and the appropriateness of cannabis therapy. Qualifying conditions include:

Chronic pain
Multiple sclerosis
Epilepsy
Chemotherapy-induced nausea
Sleep disorders
Anxiety and PTSD
Cancer-related symptoms

Doctors evaluate whether conventional treatments have failed or caused intolerable side effects, and if cannabis could offer relief.

2. Prescription Issued

If approved, the doctor writes a prescription for a specific cannabis-based product, including dosage, cannabinoid ratio (CBD:THC), and delivery method (e.g., oil, capsules, flower).

3. Dispensing at Pharmacies

The prescription is filled at a registered pharmacy, where the pharmacist ensures the correct formulation is dispensed, with guidance on dosage and titration.

Information for Doctors

Greek doctors wishing to prescribe medical cannabis should be aware of the following:

Only licensed physicians with a practice registration in Greece may prescribe.
Cannabis is listed as a controlled substance, so record-keeping and documentation are essential.
Prescribers must indicate therapeutic justification and product specifics, including:
- Cannabinoid profile (CBD/THC levels)
- Form (oil, flower, capsule)
- Dosage and frequency
- Expected duration of treatment

Continuing medical education (CME) is encouraged. At Organic Marijuana Greece, we offer resources and training workshops for doctors exploring cannabinoid therapies.

Information for Pharmacists

Pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring safe and effective access to cannabis medications. Responsibilities include:

Verifying prescriptions
Educating patients on dosing, interactions, and safe use
Storing cannabis under controlled substance regulations
Maintaining stock traceability and records

We also assist pharmacies in stocking GMP-certified organic products, including full-spectrum oils, dried flower, and balanced THC:CBD formulations.

Global Medical Cannabis Pathways: Learning from the Leaders

Greece’s approach to medical cannabis can be further strengthened by drawing on the best practices of countries with mature cannabis systems.

Australia

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates access through the Special Access Scheme (SAS).
Over 300,000 prescriptions have been issued since 2016.
Doctors apply online to prescribe, and pharmacies dispense based on GMP-imported or Australian-grown products.

This model offers structured patient pathways, robust regulatory oversight, and strong medical engagement—a direction Greece is also moving toward.

Israel

A global leader in cannabis research and patient access.
More than 100,000 patients are legally prescribed cannabis through the Ministry of Health’s Medical Cannabis Unit.
Products are strain-specific, and doctors can tailor treatments with terpene and cannabinoid data.

Israel's integration of science, cultivation, and patient care is widely regarded as a global gold standard.

Jamaica

Recognized for its cultural and medicinal heritage of cannabis use.
Patients access cannabis through certified herbal practitioners or doctors, with legal dispensaries providing a range of therapeutic products.
The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) regulates cultivation, processing, and sales.

Jamaica’s model blends traditional knowledge with modern compliance—a unique perspective for countries balancing policy and plant-based tradition.

How Organic Marijuana Greece Supports Access

At Organic Marijuana Greece, we’re working to bridge the gap between natural medicine and medical science.

Our mission is to:

Provide EU-compliant, GMP-certified cannabis products to Greek patients.
Collaborate with pharmacies and doctors for smooth, legal access.
Support education and training for medical professionals.
Guide patients through every step—from doctor referral to medication delivery.

We also collaborate with global partners to share data, product development, and clinical insights across the Organic Marijuana international network, including:

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