Adults only (18+)

Legal Status of Recreational Cannabis in Zante

Recreational cannabis remains illegal throughout Greece, including Zante, and the entire island adheres strictly to national legislation. Possession, cultivation, use or sale of cannabis with THC content above the legal hemp threshold is a criminal offence. While small personal amounts may be treated with leniency in some cases, these offences remain criminal misdemeanours. Penalties for possession can include fines, court appearances or short prison sentences depending on the quantity and related circumstances. Tourist areas such as Laganas tend to have increased police presence during peak season and law enforcement takes illegal cannabis activity seriously.

Medical Cannabis Availability in Greece

Medical cannabis was legalised nationally in 2017 and cultivation and production were formally regulated in 2018. Prescription access only began in early 2024, and consumable products remain tightly controlled. Only a limited range of cannabis-based medicines, such as oils or approved pharmaceuticals, are permitted for specific conditions and must be obtained from licensed pharmacies following a doctor’s prescription. Raw cannabis flower or smoking-based preparations are not legally permitted for medical use.

CBD and Hemp Products in Zante

CBD products derived from industrial hemp containing THC levels under 0.2 percent are legal under Greek and EU law, and such products are permitted to be sold and possessed in Zante. However, any product that exceeds the minimal THC threshold is classed as a controlled substance. Tourists should be cautious, as CBD flower may be mistaken for illicit cannabis and lead to legal issues.

Cultivation and Distribution Laws

Cultivating cannabis plants intended to produce THC remains illegal throughout Greece. Those involved in cultivation or distribution are subject to criminal charges, especially where quantities suggest intent to supply. Sentences can range from several years in prison for trafficking offences to fines or shorter terms for smaller operations. These strict rules apply uniformly to Greek citizens and foreigners alike.

Enforcement on Zante

Authorities in Zante enforce Greece’s cannabis laws rigorously, particularly in nightlife zones and tourist hotspots during summer. Police operations target street-level activity and unlicensed sellers. While some first-time cases involving very small amounts may result in non-custodial outcomes, arrests and court action are still possible. Visitors should not assume informal tolerance applies anywhere.

Common Misconceptions and Questions

A widespread misconception is that Zante acts as a cannabis-tolerant island due to its party reputation. In reality, the law does not differ from that governing Athens or other Greek islands. Another misconception is that medical cannabis is widely accessible to tourists with foreign prescriptions, but current regulations allow it only for Greek-registered patients. There is also belief that CBD is entirely unregulated. Although legal below the THC threshold, mislabelled or misidentified items may still cause legal trouble.

What the Future May Bring

Greece has taken incremental steps toward medical cannabis access and industrial hemp development, yet recreational cannabis remains firmly prohibited. There are no active proposals to legalise recreational use or decriminalise possession beyond very narrow, case by case discretion. Change remains unlikely in the short term.

Summary

Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Zante and across Greece. Possession of any significant THC-containing product may lead to prosecution. Medical cannabis is available only under strict conditions and is primarily for Greek residents. CBD products under 0.2 percent THC are legal but circulate under regulated circumstances. Visitors and residents alike should expect strict application of national drug laws, even in the most tourist-friendly areas.