Greece considers legalizing medical cannabis

Greece, through its Minister of Health, announced on July 21 the formation of a working group to develop a possible legalization of medical cannabis. This group will consist of academics, psychiatrists, legal experts, and representatives from various government departments. The negotiating table will also include consumer advocacy groups and doctors. They will discuss potential uses for future patients.

The purpose of this meeting is to quickly find an effective legislative solution. The main issues to be addressed will be patient access, distribution, and cannabis production.

Greece is considering medical cannabis following a protest by 36 members of Congress last month. The lawmakers, all members of the ruling Syriza party, see economic potential in this and are voicing the patients’ requests. A Legalization of cannabis in Greece could help the country combat the crisis it has been mired in since 2010. They hope to follow the example of other European countries such as Germany or Italy.

Greece was one of the first countries to ban cannabis in 1890. Since then, penalties for cannabis offenses have been quite severe, although the law has recently been relaxed somewhat regarding the possession of small amounts for personal use.

«The financial benefits of producing our own medical cannabis could be numerous. We could revitalize the agricultural sector, export cannabis to other countries, and thereby improve our trade balance. We could also import fewer expensive medications, which would benefit both society and patients.»

This motion regarding cannabis follows the one concerning industrial hemp in February. Twenty members of Congress had called for the legalization of industrial hemp. Their aim was to revive economic activity and generate tax revenue for the government. The congressman Makis Balaouras wants to take advantage of the left’s time in power: «Since 2013, we’ve been waiting for the right health minister to submit this proposal. Now is the time to act.».

The working group will submit its proposals to Health Minister Panagiotis Kouroumblis on October 30, 2016.

It remains to be seen whether Greece will follow the example of Germany and Italy or adopt a more liberal policy like that of the United States.