Medical Cannabis in Athens
Athens is the capital and main gateway for tourists visiting Greece. Most direct flights land at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), and the city has licensed pharmacies that dispense medical cannabis by prescription. Here is what you need to know.
How to get a medical cannabis prescription in Athens
You do not need to arrive in Athens first. You can start the process before your flight.
The process is the same across Greece and is not Athens-specific: a short online questionnaire (about 3 minutes), a remote review by a licensed Greek doctor, and if the doctor approves — a digital prescription valid at any licensed pharmacy in Greece, including Athens. No Israeli cannabis licence is required.
The doctor determines the concentration, quantity and dosage — they are not chosen by the patient. If the doctor does not approve, you receive a full refund.
For full details on the process: The complete guide to medical cannabis in Greece.
What to expect at an Athens pharmacy
Athens has hundreds of pharmacies, but not all of them carry medical cannabis. Only pharmacies that hold the appropriate licence may dispense cannabis products by prescription.
In practice, the experience is straightforward: walk in, present your passport and digital prescription, the pharmacist verifies the details and dispenses the product. The pharmacist may ask basic questions and provide usage guidance.
Most Athens pharmacies are open during regular business hours (roughly 08:30–20:30 on weekdays). Hours may vary on Saturdays and Greek public holidays.
Note: Specific pharmacies that stock cannabis products may change. Do not assume a particular pharmacy carries the product — verify in advance.
Prices
Medical cannabis prices at Athens pharmacies are set by the pharmacy itself. Current figures are roughly €9–15 per gram, depending on concentration, product and pharmacy. These figures are for illustration only and may change.
CanaFlight's concierge service fee: ₪169 (standard) · ₪249 (express) · ₪349 (VIP). One-time, before the doctor referral. Full details in the cancellation policy.
What to bring to the pharmacy
- Passport — a national ID card is not sufficient. The pharmacy requires a valid identification document.
- Digital prescription — the prescription issued by the Greek doctor. Usually shown as a QR code or PDF on your phone.
- Payment method — cash (euros) or credit card. Not all pharmacies accept cards.
Important rules in Athens
- Public smoking: Greece prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces (cafés, restaurants, public transport). Smoking cannabis in public, even with a prescription, may attract law enforcement attention.
- Do not take it out of Greece: The prescription and products are valid in Greece only. Importing cannabis into most countries, including Israel, is a criminal offence — even if legally purchased. Details at why you cannot fly with cannabis.
- Prescription validity: Up to 30 days from issuance. If your trip is long, check that the prescription is still valid before visiting the pharmacy.
- Storage: Keep the product in a dry, discreet place, especially if staying in tourist accommodation. Your host is not obligated to allow use on their premises.
FAQ — Athens
Do I need an Israeli cannabis licence to get a prescription in Athens?
No. The prescription is issued by a licensed Greek doctor and does not require any foreign cannabis licence. It is an independent Greek medical assessment.
How much does medical cannabis cost at an Athens pharmacy?
Prices are set by the pharmacy — currently roughly €9–15 per gram depending on concentration, product and pharmacy. These figures are for illustration and may change.
How long does it take to get a prescription?
You can start before your flight. The doctor's response time depends on the track: as little as 1 hour during working hours on VIP, up to 24 hours on express, 1–2 weeks on standard.
What should I bring to the pharmacy?
Your passport, the digital prescription, and a payment method (cash or card). A national ID card is not sufficient.
Can I take what I bought in Athens back home?
No. Importing cannabis into most countries, including Israel, is a criminal offence — even with a legal Greek prescription. What you buy in Greece stays in Greece.
For the full guide — including law, process, prices and golden rules — read The complete guide to medical cannabis in Greece.
Planning a trip to Athens?
A 3-minute online form — a licensed Greek doctor reviews your request — and if approved, the prescription is yours in as little as 1 hour during working hours on VIP. Not approved? Full refund.
Check eligibility →