The Greek Parliament votes to legalize the production of medical cannabis

The Greek Parliament has approved the bill allowing the production of medical cannabis. The Medical cannabis has been legal there since 2017, but until now, patients have had to rely on imported medications for their treatment.

The governing coalition and the centrist parties voted in favor of the bill regulating the cultivation and production of cannabis for medical purposes, as well as its transportation for the domestic market and for export.

«We are talking about granting a license to a single integrated facility that encompasses the production, processing, and manufacture of finished cannabis-based medical products,» said Health Minister Andreas Xanthos before the vote.

The opposition parties that voted for the bill explained that the regulatory framework introduced by the government was neither comprehensive nor clearly defined, but that it was a first step in the right direction.

The Conservative Party New Democracy (New Democracy) voted against the measure, stating, however, that it did not question the benefits of medical cannabis but opposed the way the government was passing its laws, as they did not include safeguards to prevent illegal cultivation, production, or sale.

The Greek Communist Party also voted against the bill and called on the minister to reverse course, accusing the government of opening up the sector to «vultures» and «killer multinationals.».

Without going that far, some foreign companies are already in the running to secure production licenses. Last month, we told you about a medical cannabis production project in the city of Veroia, in northern Greece, and Aphria, a Canadian medical cannabis producer, recently discussed with the Greek government on a $1 billion investment and the creation of 450 to 500 jobs in the Xanthi region, this time in northeastern Greece.

Stavros Theodorakis, leader of the Potami party, who voted for this bill alongside Syriza, is already looking ahead.

«We recommend that, following a one-year pilot program, we engage in a systematic, evidence-based discussion regarding the decriminalization of recreational cannabis use by adults.» he said in front of Parliament.

«We cannot turn a blind eye to reality. Citizens are asking us to be bold and responsible.»