Greece has tightened the rules for the trade in cannabis products in two steps during 2026. First, retail sale of dried herb parts of Cannabis sativa was banned, regardless of THC or other cannabinoid content. Then a new definition of what counts as a cannabis product was introduced – with a separate category for products that contain exclusively CBD. That wording has consequences for full-spectrum extracts, which contain CBD together with other compounds from the plant.
The May law: licences, sales and company registration
The Greek law 5302/2026 was published on 20 May and contained new provisions on how cannabis products may be sold, which businesses may be authorised, licences and company registration. The change came at the same time as several other European countries were reviewing their own rules for CBD flowers.
The medicines agency stopped dried herb parts – whatever the THC content
The day after the law was published, Greece’s National Organization for Medicines, EOF, clarified that retail sale, distribution and supply to the public of dried herb parts of Cannabis sativa L. is prohibited throughout the country. The ban applies regardless of the THC or other cannabinoid content. The agency also stated that checks will be carried out to verify compliance.
A new definition – with a separate CBD category
Law 5322/2026 changed the legal definition of cannabis products. The categories covered include cosmetics and food supplements that meet the conditions of the regulations, and a separate category for products that contain exclusively cannabidiol, CBD. Foods – with the exception of certain supplements – as well as tobacco and vaping products are left outside the definition.
Full-spectrum extracts do not fit the template
The word exclusively is decisive for full-spectrum extracts. Such extracts contain CBD together with other compounds from the plant, so their place in the regulations cannot simply be equated with products that consist only of cannabidiol. The reform also changed the rules for authorised businesses and the control of product composition.
Reports of a ministerial clarification in September
According to specialised media, a ministerial clarification dated 15 September is said to have established that CBD products may not contain other cannabinoids. If the reports are correct, it is a further step in the gradual narrowing of the market during 2026 – first the ban on retail sale of dried herb parts, then legislation introducing a separate category for products with CBD only.
Europe moving in partly different directions
Developments in Greece run parallel to other European countries debating their limits for CBD. Austria has eased the sale of CBD flowers until 2028, while Italy’s highest administrative court has decided to temporarily suspend a decree restricting CBD.
Source
- Grecia restringe los productos de cannabis y limita la composición del CBD, Cáñamo
- Greece bans sale of dried hemp flowers (cannabis.se, 25 May 2026)
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