Greek MEP calls on EU to fight injustices linked to medical cannabis

Greek Member of the European Parliament Stelios Kouloglou has called on the European Commission (EC) to address the lack of a legislative framework for medical cannabis, which leaves patients dependent on the illegal market. Although Greece has been one of the first European countries to legalize medical cannabis in 2017, six years later, Greek patients are still unable to access legal products.

In 2018, A more comprehensive law was introduced, authorizing the cultivation of cannabis-based products with a THC content exceeding 0.3%, but domestic production has been slow.

Then, in November 2021, the Greek government banned the import of cannabis-based products, which, according to local sources, constitutes a «violation of the EU’s fundamental principles» under Article 28 of the EU Treaty, namely the free movement of goods among Member States.

As a result, thousands of patients still rely on cannabis obtained on the black market or grown by themselves to treat serious medical conditions.

In his question to the European Commission on Tuesday, December 5, Mr. Kouloglou called on officials to address this issue and the need for a European legislative framework for medical cannabis that «would effectively curb the black market, regulate quality and labeling accuracy, and ensure legal and safe access to medicinal products for medical use.».

«The use of cannabis for medical purposes is universally accepted,» he said.

«The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends prescribing it for a wide range of conditions, and the European Parliament has called on European and national authorities to address the issue through legislation, fund research and innovation, and provide information to healthcare professionals.»

«Medical cannabis has been legal in Greece since 2017 for the cultivation and production of products with a THC content exceeding 0.3%, but patients currently do not have access to these formulations, and the few domestic investment sources have been slow to produce them.»

Kouloglou added: «Furthermore, in November 2021, the Greek government banned the import of cannabis-based medical products, in violation of Article 28 of the TFEU (Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), thereby creating oligopolistic conditions in the country. As a result, patients have been forced to turn to the black market to treat a wide range of health issues.».

In January, Tikun Olam Europe, a subsidiary of the Israeli cannabis company Tikun Olam, announced that operations had begun at Greece’s first medical cannabis production facility.

The first flower-based products were expected to be available by the end of 2023, or even later in 2024.

Patients and their families are still treated as «criminals”

Jacqueline Poitras, founder of the Greek patient advocacy group MAMAKA, who has been deeply involved in the campaign to legalize medical cannabis, said it was time for the EU to address the 'inequality» in access.

«It is time for the European Parliament and the Commission to address the issue of equal access for patients in all European Union member states,» she told Cannabis Health.

«The disparity among Member States regarding medical cannabis legislation is a direct violation of the spirit and laws governing patients» rights within the European Union—each country has been left to its own devices, and the responsibility for change rests squarely on the shoulders of patients. ”

Ms. Poitras added: «In Greece, six years of 'legal medical use» have failed to provide legal products to more than a handful of patients. The government’s import ban has done nothing to protect local investors—it has simply prolonged the period during which families and patients remain criminals.».