Travel Tuesday: Travelling to Greece with medical cannabis

Is medical cannabis legal in Greece?

Medical cannabis is legal in Greece and has been (technically) since 2017, making it one of the first countries in Europe to make the move. However, the real story is much more complicated. 

Greece’s government recategorised medical cannabis as a Schedule II drug in 2017, following the high-profile campaigns of the parents of children with severe epilepsy. The following year, legislation was brought in to allow the cultivation of cannabis products with a THC content exceeding 0.3% - but production remained limited. 

The situation was further complicated by a 2021 ban on the importation of cannabis products added to the long wait for patients to finally access cannabis-based medicines in Greece. The move was widely criticised for going against the regulations of the EU’s free market. As a result, only a small number of patients were able to access medical cannabis through lengthy individual import requests. 

Finally, in 2024, a new announcement left many patients hopeful for improvements in Greece’s medical cannabis sector. Lawmakers announced new developments for medical cannabis access in Greece. For the first time, cannabis-based medicines could be prescribed by specialist doctors for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.

But what about travelling to Greece as a medical cannabis patient from the UK?

Do I need authorisation to travel to Greece with medical cannabis?

When travelling to another country with medicine containing controlled drugs, like medical cannabis, it is always important to check whether you require authorisation from the destination country’s government. According to government guidance, individuals leaving the UK with such a medicine should carry with them a copy of their prescription and/or a letter from their clinician; however, it is also vital to check the import laws of your destination country. 

You should seek written confirmation from Greece’s embassy

When travelling to Greece with medical cannabis, you should always contact the Greek Embassy in London to inform them of your travel plans and ensure you are permitted to carry your medication. You can find up-to-date contact details for different embassies through GOV.UK’s list of foreign embassies.

The Greek Embassy will be able to inform you of any restrictions or conditions that may apply when importing medical cannabis into Greece. For example, there may be a limit on the amount of prescribed medical cannabis you can carry. You will likely also be advised to always carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your clinician/a travel certificate from your prescribing clinic (Releaf patients can easily request a travel certificate through their Patient Dashboard). 

Your medical cannabis travel certificate

When travelling abroad with medical cannabis, patients should be able to prove that their medication has been legally obtained. Thankfully, for Releaf patients, this is very straightforward - you can simply request a travel certificate. Your Releaf travel certificate will include:

• Country and place of issue, date of issue, and period of validity

• Prescribing physician (name and licence number)

• Patient information (including name, date of birth, address, passport or ID card number). 

• Travel details (including country of destination and flight/transport details)

• Details of prescribed medical preparation (including the name of the drug or its composition, name and concentration of active substance, and duration of prescription). 

• Signature from prescribing physician

• Contact details of prescribing clinic

When requesting a travel certificate, it is important to ensure that it will be valid for the duration of your trip. Each certificate is only valid for the current prescription. As prescriptions typically last 28 days, your intended date of travel should be no more than 28 days after your latest prescription shipping date. Printed travel certificates are typically received within 2-5 working days of the travel date. Releaf patients can also request a digitally downloadable copy, which is typically received within 24 hours. 

For more information on Releaf’s travel certificates, head to ‘How to request a travel certificate for medical cannabis’.

Are you ready for your trip?

Planning a trip abroad as a medical cannabis patient can seem daunting. But if you have followed the guidance of your destination country and have acquired all the necessary documentation, you should be able to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. 

The truth is, there is no such thing as being too prepared when travelling with medical cannabis. Always ensure you have a copy of your current prescription. Releaf patients are issued a medical cannabis card, which allows concerned parties (such as border control) to view the prescription details - simply scan the QR code! You may also wish to carry a physical copy of your prescription. 

Always keep your prescription medication in its original packaging, as this will match the details included in your prescription and your travel certificate. In addition to your prescription, medication, and travel certificate, it may also be helpful to keep a copy of any communication from the Greek Embassy to confirm you have received authorisation to bring your medical cannabis to Greece.

If you have all these things in place, then the only thing left to do is to enjoy your trip!

Are you interested in the potential a UK medical cannabis prescription may hold for your health needs? Head straight to our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker - it takes less than 20 seconds and can tell you if you may qualify for medical cannabis with Releaf.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information purposes and should not be taken as legal advice. Medical cannabis regulations vary from country to country, and airlines may have their own guidelines. Be sure to check the latest guidance from the Greek Embassy, your chosen airline, and your prescribing clinic before you travel.