Is Marijuana Legal in Cyprus?

Recreational marijuana is illegal in Cyprus. Medical marijuana is legal, although it does not appear that patients can access medicinal cannabis products yet.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Cyprus

Medical cannabis was legalized in Cyprus in 2019, marking a noted shift in the nation’s drug laws.

The Middle Eastern country had previously legalized medical marijuana for people with cancer in 2017, so the 2019 legalization of cannabis for additional medical purposes, while potentially unexpected, was a logical expansion of the country’s cannabis policies.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Cyprus

You cannot currently access medical or recreational cannabis in Cyprus, despite its legalization for medical use. Similarly, you cannot bring it into the country.

If you’re planning a visit to the area, it is recommended that you leave your cannabis at home, even if you have a medical marijuana card.

Cannabis Products Are Not Yet Available

Although the laws have changed, medical patients are still unable to access cannabis for medical use.

It appears as though politicians are still working out a strategy to roll out the medical cannabis program, and many patients are suffering due to the extended delay.

The lack of ability for patients to get certified was still in place as recently as February 2022, and it does not appear that there have been any notable updates in that time.

CBD Is Available

While medical patients may still have to wait to access medical marijuana, cannabidiol (CBD) is available and readily sold throughout Cyprus for personal use.

CBD products need to contain no more than 0.2% THC, however. Products containing more than 0.2% THC are against the law, and having these products could result in penalties or even prison time.

Recreational Use Is Still Illegal

Even once medical patients are allowed to use cannabis products, the recreational use of marijuana will remain against the law, barring any significant new updates to Cyprus’s drug laws.

Recreational marijuana is still a Class B substance in Cyprus, and being charged with possession or using cannabis is a serious crime, punishable by community service or up to three years in prison for smaller quantities and five years imprisonment for larger quantities.

While legalizing medical cannabis could be a step towards more expansive marijuana legalization in the country in the future, it remains to be seen whether or not that will be the case.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Cyprus?

No, cultivation of cannabis seeds or fostering any cannabis plants is not allowed, even for medical reasons.

Since recreational cannabis is against the law, and medical patients can not currently access marijuana, you can not grow cannabis in Cyprus.

It is unclear if the nation’s medical program will allow patients to cultivate cannabis plants once more regulations for the medical use program are laid out.

The Bottom Line

By legalizing medicinal cannabis, Cyprus has made a notable step toward allowing patients to take advantage of the therapeutic potential inherent in the cannabis plant.

Currently, however, patients will still have to wait until more information is available to access cannabis products for medical use.