How to Buy CBD Products in Greece in 2020 (Legally)

Summary: Buying CBD in Greece

1. Hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC is available for purchase both online and over-the-counter
2. CBD is excluded from the list of Drugs and Narcotics in Greece
3. Hemp has been legal to grow since 2018 — as long as the crops maintain less than 0.2% THC
4. While CBD is not considered a drug, avoid flying into Greece with CBD products — if officers come across any cannabis products, you may still run into legal issues (regardless of THC content)

Best CBD Oil in Greece:

Number	Product	Total CBD	Potency	Cost per mg CBD	Link
1	Nordic Oil Full-Spectrum CBD Oil (Europe)	500 – 2000 mg	50 – 200 mg/mL	€0.08 – €0.09	Get a Deal
2	Endoca CBD Oils	300 – 1500 mg	30 – 150 mg/mL	€0.08 – €0.09	Get a Deal
3	Reakiro CBD Oil	300 – 1500 mg	30 – 150 mg/mL	€0.07 – €0.08	Get a Deal
4	Hemp Bombs CBD Oil	300 – 4000 mg	10 – 133.3 mg/mL	$0.07 – $0.17	Get a Deal
5	Nature’s Script CBD Oils	300 – 4000 mg	10 – 133 mg/mL	$0.07 – $0.17	Get a Deal

A Brief History of Cannabis Laws in Greece

Herodotus (485 BCE – 420 BCE) was a prolific writer, having documented much of what we know today about ancient Greece — earning him the title “the father of history.”

It’s believed Herodotus was the first to have written about cannabis use in Western culture. The word cannabis, in fact, comes from the Greek word kánnabis.

Herodotus noted the Scythians (nomadic Eurasian civilization) were using cannabis for clothing, rope, and other textiles. Describing a funeral ceremony, Herodotus watched the Scythians burn cannabis and described the scent as a “more agreeable” incense than what the Greeks used. When the plant burned, the company was “transformed” by the smoke, and they would “howl aloud.”

This text is considered the first Western documentation of the mind-altering effects of cannabis.

Cannabis was later brought to Greece through trade routes and later cultivated for boat sails, ropes, wicker-work, clothes, and shoes.

Like today, cannabis wasn’t only used industrially — archaeological findings proved cannabis was used for medicine, religion, and recreation in ancient Greece as well.

The Greek word pharmakon translates to drugs — drugs synonymous with medicine and healing. At this time, there was no word for addictive substances.

In the fifth edition of the De Materia Medica, an ancient Greek pharmacopeia of medicinal plants (65 – 70 CE), cannabis is mentioned as an effective treatment for inflammation, gout, and stomach upset. It was even used to treat pets and livestock.

Psychoactive plants, in particular, were often used to treat the sick. Because healing and medicine were considered closely related to the realm of magic, there are elements of mysticism in its use.

It was not until we reach the turn of the millennium that drugs were finally associated with addiction. During this time, hashish (marijuana resin) was spreading throughout Eurasia. Many countries, including Greece, became concerned about its abuse.

Hash and cannabis were now being related to degenerates and criminals, leading the Greek government to ban the cultivation, importation, and use of the drug in 1890 and eventually hemp plants as well in 1957.

In more recent years, as North America and parts of Europe soften their laws toward hemp, Greece has done the same in hopes to strengthen the Greek economy. 60 years after its ban, Greece legalized hemp cultivation and processing of certain strains of cannabis.

The cultivation and possession of marijuana for recreational use are still prohibited. However, as of 2017, a medical marijuana program was passed, and two licenses were granted to private companies to produce medical-grade cannabis in Greece. This opens up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and will hopefully help stimulate the economy in Greece.

What’s the Difference Between Hemp & Marijuana?

Both marijuana and hemp are actually the same species (Cannabis sativa). The difference is in the chemical profiles of specific strains of the plant. Some cannabis plants don’t produce significant amounts of delta 9 THC (the compound that makes users high), while others produce a lot of THC.

Most laws recognize the difference in THC levels in these plants and categorize their laws differently for each plant.

However, in our research, we couldn’t find a clear distinction between hemp and marijuana in Greek regulations. The word cannabis is used interchangeably for both hemp and marijuana.

Is CBD Legal In Greece?

Despite categorizing hemp and marijuana as the same plant, Greek authorities allow any cannabis products that contain non-psychoactive concentrations of THC (less than 0.2%) legal.

How to Buy CBD in Greece

You have several options when it comes to shopping for legal CBD in Greece. You can find CBD products at health food stores and pharmacies in major cities without a prescription — however, many Greek residents prefer to shop online.

Guide to Buying CBD Online in Greece

The culture around CBD in Greece is relatively young compared to many other countries in Europe such as Spain or the Netherlands. Because of this, it may not always be practical to source your CBD products in-store, especially if you don’t live in a big city.

Access, cheaper prices, and the freedom to shop at your own convenience are just some of a few reasons why many are turning to online shopping for their CBD products.

The Pros & Cons of Buying CBD Online in Greece:

Tips on Buying High-Quality CBD Products in Greece

Here we’ll outline some best practices for making sure you end up with a high-quality CBD product in your shopping cart online and offline. It all starts with a little bit of homework.

1. Research the Company.

Before you buy a product, look into the company.

Reputable CBD brands should provide all the details you need to know, including the hemp source, ingredients list, cannabinoid potency, and contamination reports.

You can also look at review websites, like right here at Daily CBD to see what experts and other CBD users have to say about the brand. We review brands and products based on company transparency, hemp quality, pricing, and customer service.

2. No CoA, No BUY

A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a report conducted by a non-bias third-party lab that tests the CBD extract for several important factors, including cannabinoid profile (what types of cannabinoids are found), potency (how much of each cannabinoid is contained, and contaminants (solvents, heavy metals, and microbes).

Dodgy companies will often try to reduce the bottom line by ordering cheap, poor-quality hemp that could contain heavy metals or other contaminants. CoAs give you confidence in the quality of your product.

If you’re looking to buy North American CBD products online, check the CoA to ensure the THC limit does not exceed 0.2%. The THC limit in North America is 0.3%, and you want to avoid importing illegal products in Greece.

3. Steer Clear of Brands that Make Unbelievable Health Claims

While CBD is known to have many health benefits, it’s not a cure-all to every ailment under the sun. If a company promises to cure, treat, or mitigate a disease, it’s a red flag.

No company is allowed to make health claims in Greece, or elsewhere in Europe for its CBD products. If you see a company making these claims, they likely haven’t been approved by European regulators.

It’s irresponsible for companies to market more than what their products can actually deliver, and it perpetuates the misinformation surrounding cannabis and CBD.

How Mail Forwarding Works

If you’ve found a brand you can only get online, and go through the whole shopping process only to discover that they won’t ship to Greece, a mail forwarding service can save the day.

Some companies won’t ship to countries that have strict cannabis regulations, or the shipping costs can be outrageous. Mail forwarding companies will provide you with a local address to which your initial package will get mailed.

Once the package arrives at the first destination, staff will redirect the package with your mailing details.

Learn more about using mail forwarding to have CBD products shipped to Greece.

CBD Brands That Ship to Greece

Summing it Up: Buying CBD in Greece

Hemp-derived CBD is fully legal to purchase in Greece without a prescription both online and in-store. Whether you decide to purchase CBD at your local shop or with an online retailer, make sure you take a few important steps to protect yourself from wasting your money on untrustworthy CBD products.

Here’s a recap on how to find good quality CBD products in Greece.

Make sure you’re purchasing CBD extracts with a THC content of less than 0.2%.

When shopping online, look to see the manufacturer’s Certificate of Analysis to confirm the cannabinoid profile, and potency, and to make sure it’s free from potentially harmful contaminants.

Get the most out of your money by doing the research before you buy.

Happy shopping!