Medical Cannabis in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city and its northern gateway. Flights land at Makedonia Airport, and the city — also a large university town — supports a dense pharmacy network that operates year-round. Here is what you need to know.
How to get a medical cannabis prescription in Thessaloniki
You do not need to arrive in Thessaloniki first. You can start the process before your flight.
The process is the same across Greece and is not Thessaloniki-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 Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki pharmacy
Thessaloniki is one of Greece's largest cities, with a wide pharmacy network operating at full capacity all year — a practical advantage over the islands, where availability thins outside the tourist season. Even so, not every pharmacy sells medical cannabis: only those holding the appropriate licence may dispense cannabis products against a 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 Thessaloniki 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.
Getting to a pharmacy in Thessaloniki
Makedonia Airport is a short drive from central Thessaloniki, and the city itself is compact and walkable — the waterfront and the historic centre are within walking distance of each other. Practically, that means a pharmacy visit needs no special planning, unlike every island on this list.
Thessaloniki is also a convenient base for anyone continuing to Halkidiki or northern Greece, where services are thinner on the ground. If that is your route, sorting things out in the city before heading north saves searching later.
Prices
Medical cannabis prices at Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki
- 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 — Thessaloniki
Do I need an Israeli cannabis licence to get a prescription in Thessaloniki?
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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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.
Travelling elsewhere in Greece? The prescription is valid at any licensed pharmacy nationwide — see also medical cannabis in Corfu and medical cannabis in Kos.
Planning a trip to Thessaloniki?
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 →