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This guide gives a clear, practical overview of cannabis law as it applies in Xanthi, Greece. Cannabis regulation in Greece is governed by national laws and regulations that cover medical cannabis, industrial hemp, criminal sanctions for unauthorised possession and sale, and administrative rules for cultivation, processing and distribution. Local authorities in Xanthi - police, prosecutors and courts - apply these national rules, so outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case and how national law has been implemented locally. This guide is informational only and is not a substitute for personalised legal advice.
People seek lawyers for cannabis matters for many reasons. Common situations include being detained or charged for possession or supply; defending against trafficking or cultivation charges; navigating licensing for medical-cannabis production or industrial-hemp cultivation; challenging administrative sanctions or permit refusals; setting up a compliant cannabis-related business; handling seizures or customs problems for cross-border shipments; dealing with employment issues after a positive drug test; and advising on compliance with health, safety and advertising rules. A lawyer helps interpret complex national rules, protect rights at police and court stages, prepare licence applications, negotiate with authorities, and reduce legal and commercial risk.
Key legal points that are particularly relevant in Xanthi include the following.
National framework - Greek national law and implementing regulations set the rules for medical cannabis, industrial hemp and criminal offences. These laws determine who can grow, process, import, prescribe and dispense cannabis-based products, and they establish permit regimes, recordkeeping and inspection powers.
Medical cannabis - medical use of cannabis-based products is regulated. Access ordinarily requires a medical prescription and the authorised supply chains are controlled. Production for medical use is subject to licensing, strict controls and oversight by national health and agricultural authorities.
Industrial hemp - cultivation of low-THC hemp varieties is treated separately from controlled cannabis. Growers must follow licensing and registration rules, use authorised seed varieties and comply with testing and traceability requirements. National rules generally align with European Union standards, and oversight is exercised by agricultural authorities.
Recreational use - unlicensed recreational cultivation, possession, distribution and sale remain unlawful. Penalties depend on quantity, intent to supply and other aggravating or mitigating factors. Local prosecutors and courts in Xanthi will apply criminal law to individual cases.
Administrative and regulatory enforcement - businesses face administrative inspections, potential fines and licence suspensions for noncompliance with cultivation, processing, labelling, transport and storage rules. Licensing processes for production or commercial activity involve multiple agencies and detailed compliance obligations.
Police and prosecutorial practice - local police enforce criminal rules and may conduct searches, seizures and arrests under national criminal procedure. The public prosecutor assesses charges and can bring cases to court. Procedural safeguards and timely engagement of counsel are important.
No. Recreational use, possession and sale of cannabis without authorisation remain prohibited under national law. Persons found with cannabis may face criminal charges or administrative measures depending on the circumstances.
Medical cannabis products are available under a regulated system. Access generally requires a licensed medical professional to determine medical need and issue a prescription in the forms permitted by national rules. Dispensing occurs through authorised pharmacies or distribution channels that follow regulatory controls. If you believe you need medical cannabis, consult a physician who is familiar with national prescribing rules.
Cultivation of industrial hemp and licensed medical-cannabis production requires compliance with licensing, registration and variety controls. You cannot lawfully grow recreational cannabis on your land without the appropriate licences and approvals. For hemp, growers must meet requirements on seed varieties, THC thresholds, recordkeeping and inspections under national and EU-aligned rules.
Penalties vary widely depending on quantity, whether there is intent to supply, prior convictions and other factors. Punishments can include fines, criminal convictions and imprisonment for serious offences. For small amounts, authorities may apply lesser penalties, but outcomes depend on prosecutorial discretion and judicial decisions. Engaging a lawyer early can help manage risk and prepare a defence.
Remain calm and respectful. You should ask whether you are under arrest and whether you must comply with searches. You have the right to legal counsel - request a lawyer without delay if you are detained. Do not destroy evidence or consent to invasive procedures without understanding the consequences. Document what happened and take the contact details of any witnesses. Contact a local criminal lawyer as soon as you can.
Licence applications typically require detailed documentation about the business, security plans, technical specifications for cultivation or processing, supply chain arrangements and compliance programmes. Multiple agencies may need to be notified or to approve the application. A lawyer or specialised consultant can help prepare applications, build compliance systems and liaise with authorities to reduce delays or rejections.
Foreign visitors should not assume cross-border prescriptions are automatically valid. Some medical cannabis products may be permitted if holders can show valid prescriptions and meet import or carry rules established by national authorities. It is important to check requirements before travelling and to carry documentation of prescriptions and medical necessity. Consulting legal counsel or health authorities beforehand is advisable.
Employment consequences depend on the workplace policies, the type of test, the employment contract and whether cannabis use affects work safety. Employers may take disciplinary measures, ranging from warnings to dismissal, especially in safety-sensitive roles. If you face employment action, consult an employment lawyer to review your rights, any required procedures and potential remedies.
Yes. Evidence obtained in violation of legal procedures - for example, without proper warrants or with unlawful coercion - may be challenged in court and excluded. Procedural defects in how police conducted a search or search-and-seizure paperwork may affect the admissibility of evidence. A criminal lawyer can assess the circumstances and advise on motions to exclude evidence or other defences.
Timelines vary. Criminal proceedings can take from several months to years depending on the complexity of the case, court calendars and appeals. Administrative licence processes also vary by type and agency, and may include inspection and consultation phases. Early legal engagement can speed resolution where procedural steps or supplemental materials are needed, and can help plan realistic expectations.
Useful contacts and bodies that people commonly consult for cannabis matters in Greece include national ministries and regulatory agencies responsible for health, agriculture and medicines, the national competent authorities that issue and supervise licences, Hellenic Police for matters of public order and investigative procedure, the local public prosecutor's office for case information, and the local bar association in Xanthi to find qualified lawyers. Legal aid providers and nongovernmental organisations that focus on drug policy or patient advocacy may also provide guidance and referrals. Professional advisers - lawyers, accountants and compliance consultants experienced in cannabis law and regulated industries - are helpful when planning a business or defending legal matters.
If you need legal assistance in Xanthi for a cannabis-related matter, follow these practical steps.
1 - Gather documents and details. Collect any police reports, medical prescriptions, licence applications, correspondence with authorities, photographs, witness details and records relevant to your matter.
2 - Contact a specialised lawyer. Look for a lawyer experienced in criminal law for possession or trafficking cases, and a lawyer with regulatory or administrative experience for licence or business matters. The local bar association can help identify qualified counsel in Xanthi.
3 - Prepare for the first meeting. Be ready to describe the facts clearly, provide documents and ask about likely outcomes, fees, timeline and strategy. Ask whether the lawyer has experience with similar cases in Xanthi.
4 - Preserve your rights. If detained or investigated, exercise your right to legal counsel early; do not destroy evidence or make statements without a lawyer. Keep records of all interactions with authorities and employers.
5 - Consider compliance and mitigation. If you are planning a business, seek legal advice before starting operations to design compliant processes. If you face charges, explore mitigation options such as diversion programmes, medical evidence, or procedural defences that a lawyer can pursue.
Legal matters involving cannabis can be complex and fact-specific. Engaging a knowledgeable local lawyer in Xanthi early will give you the best chance to protect your rights and obtain a practical resolution.
