Adults only (18+)

Is Weed Legal in Corfu?

Cannabis is not legal in Corfu or anywhere in Greece. While medical cannabis has been introduced under strict regulation, recreational use remains illegal. In practice, possession of small amounts may sometimes be treated leniently, but the legal risk is real for both residents and visitors. Greece does not offer decriminalisation for non-medical cannabis, and enforcement is often stricter in tourist areas such as Corfu.

Recreational Use: Legal Risks and Enforcement

Greek law prohibits the use, possession, cultivation, distribution and sale of cannabis containing THC. Possession of even a small amount—such as a few grams—can lead to arrest. First‑time offenders may receive a court‑ordered rehabilitation programme, warning or fine, but a criminal record is typically recorded. More serious violations or repeat offences may result in prison terms of up to five months or even longer. Greek law makes no formal allowance for private use, and possession near schools or children can trigger harsher penalties.

Medical Cannabis: Highly Controlled

Greece legalised medical cannabis in 2017, but it became practically available only in early 2024 following regulatory authorisation. Access is limited to Greek residents with prescribed conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, certain cancers or multiple sclerosis. Patients must obtain a prescription from a licensed specialist physician and collect the product from designated pharmacies. Tourists or visitors are not permitted to use medical cannabis prescribed abroad, and importing personal medical cannabis is illegal. Legal cultivation for medical purposes is possible only under state‑controlled licensing frameworks and is not accessible to the general public.

Cultivation and Trafficking Laws

Growing cannabis plants—regardless of scale or intent—is illegal in Greece. Even cultivating a single plant for personal use may be viewed as intent to distribute. Sale, distribution or trafficking of cannabis is a criminal offence that carries prison sentences from several years to over a decade. Penalties are more severe if minors are involved or if the operation is linked to organised groups. Authorities in Greece have recently uncovered large illicit grow operations and imposed harsh sentencing accordingly.

CBD Products: Legal Under Strict Limits

Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are legal in Greece if they comply with EU regulations by containing less than 0.2 percent THC. These CBD oils, creams, and capsules are widely available in health stores and pharmacies. However, they are subject to strict labelling and sourcing requirements. CBD must be clearly identified as non‑psychoactive and should be sourced from reputable suppliers.

Tourist Considerations and Public Use

Tourists in Corfu should exercise extreme caution. Even casual possession or use of cannabis can trigger legal action. Police enforcement in tourist areas is not lenient, and claiming ignorance of local laws offers no protection. Public consumption—such as smoking cannabis on beaches, streets or near nightlife venues—is frequently penalised. Small amounts found on travellers may lead to detainment, court appearances or fines.

Legal and Cultural Landscape

Greece’s approach to cannabis remains conservative. Although the medical cannabis industry is growing, including licensed cultivation and exports, recreational use continues to be viewed as socially and politically unacceptable. Lawmakers have resisted moves to legalise or decriminalise recreational cannabis, and tougher drug policies were reinforced in recent constitutional reforms. Public debate is cautious, and progress towards broader reform is slow.

Conclusion

Cannabis is completely illegal in Corfu. Recreational use is not permitted, and possession may result in arrest, criminal record or rehabilitation measures. Medical cannabis exists but is accessible only to certified Greek patients via prescription. Cultivation and trafficking remain serious criminal offences. CBD products are legally allowed only under strict THC limits. Tourists and residents alike should be aware that cannabis-related offences carry real legal consequences in Corfu and throughout Greece.