Psychedelic Drug Laws in Greece
Research showing the therapeutic benefit of magic mushrooms and other psychedelics has increased significantly in recent years. However, these substances are illegal in many countries, including Greece.
The following sections will cover the legal aspects of magic mushrooms and other psychedelics like DMT, LSD, MDMA, and ketamine. Additionally, we will explore their uses and the native species of shrooms in the country.
Summary of Psychedelic Drug Laws in Greece
- Most psychedelics are illegal in Greece, and penalties for personal use include prison and fines
- The use of medicinal cannabis is legal, but you need a prescription
- There are many native species of psychedelic mushrooms in Greece
Greece: Drug Penalty Chart
| Class | Substance | Psychedelics | Penalties |
| A (exclusively handled by state) | Cannabis, heroin | MDMA, LSD | Personal use*: No more than 5 months in prison Addicted or sharing in group: Up to 3 years in prison Trafficking: Up to 8 years in prison |
| B (handled by State Drug Monopoly) | Cocaine, methadone, morphine | — | See above |
| C (handled by licensed individuals) | Amphetamines, codeine | — | See above |
| D (distributed by prescription) | Tranquilizers, buprenorphine, barbituates | — | See above |
Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Greece?
No, magic mushrooms are not legal in Greece.
Psilocybin mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I narcotic substance under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This makes the use and possession of magic mushrooms illegal in Greece.
However, the law distinguishes between possession for personal use and commercialization. Possession for personal use can end up in up to 5 months of imprisonment, while a severe offense, like trafficking, is punishable by up to 8 years and fines of up to one million euros.
The penalties do not vary between different substances, and there are no established quantities of what accounts for personal use. The judge will make this decision based on several factors.
Although Greek laws prohibit psilocybin mushrooms, many prestigious institutes, such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, have demonstrated its potential for therapeutic use. Many countries are even considering reclassifying this substance.
Related: Psilocybin Laws Around the World.
Where to Buy Magic Mushroom Spores in Greece
Magic mushroom spores do not contain any psilocybin, so they are legal to commercialize in Greece. You can easily find spores and grow kits on the Internet and buy them for research purposes.
Regardless, growing magic mushrooms at home is considered illegal and punishable by law. Furthermore, growing magic mushrooms does not fall under the definition of a personal use offense, which means you would face harsh penalties, including prison time and fines.
Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Greece?
Yes, magic mushrooms grow in several places in Greece.
Magic mushrooms naturally grow in almost every part of the world, and several species of psychedelic shrooms are native to Greece. The following section will tell you where to find some of them.
Despite being relatively easy to forage for magic mushrooms, we do not recommend doing this. You could mistakenly pick a poisonous mushroom if you do not know how to differentiate them.
Gymnopilus junonius
It is also known as Gymnopilus spectabilis. This mushroom grows in clusters of dozens, and you can find them on tree stumps or logs of hardwoods and conifers. They typically grow in moist woodland areas, especially near rivers.
Panaeolus cinctulus
These mushrooms grow widely on compost piles and in fertilized gardens. It is common to see them both as a solitary mushroom or in clusters. They are easier to find after heavy rain, from Spring to Fall.
Psilocybe bohemica
This is one of the most potent species of psychedelic mushrooms, with an average psilocybin content of 1%. It grows on wet grassland areas, preferring rich and acidic soil. They’re easy to find on pastures fertilized with animal dung.
What Are the Medicinal Uses of Shrooms?
There is a better understanding of psychedelic mushrooms since recent research heavily supports their therapeutic use. Due to this new evidence, many European and North American countries are considering the legalization of magic mushrooms.
Canada is a leading example of this. The country approved MDMA-assisted therapy and the use of shrooms under medical assistance, and they reached promising results.
These are some of the best therapeutic uses for magic mushrooms:
- Depression: Psilocybin can treat and improve the symptoms of depression, and it also aids in therapy by putting the patient in an open and calm headspace.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Using psychedelics during therapy sessions can help process past and current emotions. Magic mushrooms are also known for their anxiolytic properties, a characteristic symptom of PTSD.
- Existential Anxiety: Elderly or terminally ill patients often experience dread and anxiety after diagnosis. Magic mushrooms can help them cope with these feelings, find meaning in their connections, and accept their fate.
- Cluster Headaches: Psilocybin has proven to be the best psychedelic substance for treating cluster headaches and migraines [1]. Other substances such as LSD can also help but to a lesser extent.
- Addiction: When used in the correct dosages, psychedelic substances help subdue cravings. Paired with therapy, they can also lead to a new outlook on life.
Is LSD Legal in Greece?
No, LSD is not legal in Greece.
LSD is a hallucinogen substance with promising therapeutic benefits. However, it is considered a Schedule I narcotic substance in Greece.
Using and possessing LSD can lead to imprisonment, though prosecution can be suspended for those who request treatment. The penalties do not vary by amount, as long as the judge declares it to be for personal use only.
Is DMT legal in Greece?
No, DMT is illegal in Greece.
DMT is the primary psychoactive substance in ayahuasca, yopo, Bufo alvarius, and changa. Although other European countries allow the traditional use of these plants, Greece outlaws it.
The use of these substances is punished with jail and hefty fines, but growing ayahuasca is considered for supply and faces much harsher penalties.
Is MDMA Legal in Greece?
No, MDMA is illegal in Greece.
Like LSD and DMT, MDMA is considered a Schedule I narcotic substance. It is also known as ecstasy, and some countries, such as Canada, have legalized its use for therapeutic reasons.
Portugal is the first country in the EU to decriminalize it, which opens the door for other European countries to follow its example.
Associations like the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) are pushing for the completion of Phase 3 clinical trials for MDMA-assisted therapy in Europe.
Is Ketamine Legal in Greece?
Ketamine is illegal for recreational use in Greece
There are no international conventions regulating ketamine, which allows each country to establish fair laws. In Greece, ketamine is a table C controlled substance that can only be administered by a medical professional.
This medication is mainly used in combination with anesthesia, but some countries are considering authorizing it for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.
Is Marijuana Legal in Greece?
Cannabis is only legal for medical purposes in Greece.
Greece legalized medical cannabis in 2017 and a year later allowed the free production and cultivation of the plant. However, recreational use of marijuana is illegal and can be punished by up to 5 months in prison.
You will need a prescription to buy cannabis, but, once obtained, you can easily get delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10 THC products in many forms.
What’s the Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization?
Legalization and decriminalization might sound similar if you are unfamiliar with legal concepts. Still, understanding their differences is the key to avoiding legal trouble while traveling.
By decriminalizing a substance, a country lessens the punishments for possession and personal use. However, this does not make it legal to produce or commercialize it. You’re usually not jailed for carrying small amounts, but you may pay a hefty fine.
Legalization, on the other hand, eliminates any penalties on said substance. As a result, industries can emerge under standardized regulations, which ensure a level of safety that is appropriate.
The main advantage of legalization is that it eliminates black markets, drug trafficking, and deaths from adulterated products.
Key Takeaways: What’s the Future of Psychedelics in Greece?
Greece is bound to international conventions, and it has strict laws regarding the use of psychedelics. Laws punish the recreational use of any substance.
Still, there is a trend in Europe encouraging the reevaluation of psychedelics, and countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands have more relaxed views on this matter. As more research surges, other countries will follow, and Greece will hopefully be one of them.
References
- Schindler, E. A., Gottschalk, C. H., Weil, M. J., Shapiro, R. E., Wright, D. A., & Sewell, R. A. (2015). Indoleamine hallucinogens in cluster headache: results of the Clusterbusters medication use survey. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 47(5), 372-381.
