Greece Bans THCP: New Cannabis Regulations Explained

2025 Greek narcotics law

The Greek government has recently taken decisive regulatory action regarding cannabis-derived compounds, particularly focusing on THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) and several other cannabinoids. Let me walk you through what this means.

What the New Regulation Says

Based on the government document published on March 26, 2025 (Decision No. Δ3γ/οικ. 11626), Greece has officially classified several cannabinoid analogs as controlled substances. The document specifically places chemical analogs of Δ9-THC and CBD that have psychotropic effects under Table B of their Narcotics Code Law.

The banned compounds include:

• Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP)
• Tetrahydrocannabioctyl (THC-JD)
• Tetrahydrocannabinol acetate (THC-O)
• Tetrahydrocannabiphorol acetate (THCP-O)
• Tetrahydrocannabihexol (THCH)
• Tetrahydrocannabutol (THCB)

This decision was unanimously approved by the Greek Narcotics Committee on February 18, 2025, and is now in full effect.

Why THCP Is Significant

THCP deserves special attention in this regulatory update because of its potency. According to research published in Nature Scientific Reports, THCP is significantly more potent than traditional THC. The binding affinity of THCP for CB1 receptors has been found to be more than 30 times higher than that of THC.

Professor Raphael Mechoulam, considered the “father of cannabis research,” and his team had been working on various cannabinoid compounds that demonstrate much higher potency than traditional cannabinoids. This aligns with findings from the Journal of Natural Products that identified THCP as a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid with remarkable pharmacological activity.

The exceptional potency of THCP likely prompted regulatory concern in Greece and other countries monitoring novel psychoactive substances, according to analysis from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.

Context Within Greece’s Cannabis Approach

Greece has been gradually developing its approach to cannabis regulation. The country legalized medical cannabis in 2017, as reported by the Harvard International Review, and has been working to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework since then.

The new regulation appears to be part of an ongoing effort to distinguish between potentially beneficial medical applications of cannabis and compounds deemed to have high potential for misuse due to their potency.

International Context

The Greek approach differs from that of the UK, which has adopted a broader “blanket ban” approach through the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. This difference in regulatory philosophy means that Greece may need to continually update its listings as new compounds emerge, whereas the UK’s approach potentially covers novel substances automatically.

According to the World Health Organization, the international approach to novel psychoactive substances remains varied, with some countries opting for specific listings and others implementing broader regulatory frameworks.

Implications

For consumers, businesses, and medical professionals in Greece, this regulation means:

1. These specific compounds are now illegal and fall under narcotics control laws
2. Products containing these compounds must be removed from the market
3. Medical research involving these compounds would require special authorization
4. Businesses in the cannabis space need to ensure their products don’t contain these newly regulated substances

The timing of this regulation also coincides with growing cannabis tourism and expanding medical cannabis markets in Greece, suggesting authorities are attempting to establish clear boundaries as the sector grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD still legal in Greece?

Yes, CBD itself remains legal in Greece. The new regulation specifically targets chemically modified analogs of CBD that have psychotropic effects, not standard CBD products. However, CBD products must comply with existing regulations regarding THC content (typically below 0.2%).

Does this affect Greece’s medical cannabis program?

The medical cannabis program in Greece continues to operate, as these regulations are targeted at specific compounds rather than medical cannabis as a whole. Licensed medical cannabis products that don’t contain these newly banned substances remain available through proper channels.

What penalties might apply for possession of these substances?

Since these compounds are now classified under Table B of Greece’s Narcotics Code Law, penalties would likely be similar to those for other substances in this category. This typically includes potential fines and imprisonment, with severity depending on factors like quantity and intent (personal use versus distribution).

How will authorities test for these compounds?

Specialized laboratory testing would be required to identify these specific cannabinoid analogs. Standard drug tests may not distinguish between traditional THC and these more potent variants, which could present enforcement challenges.

How does this affect CBD/cannabis businesses in Greece?

Businesses operating in Greece’s cannabis sector need to ensure they don’t produce, import, or sell products containing these newly regulated compounds. This may require additional testing and quality control measures for companies working with cannabinoids.

Can researchers still study these compounds?

Research on controlled substances typically requires special licenses and authorizations. Scientists interested in studying these compounds for legitimate research purposes would need to obtain appropriate permits from Greek authorities.

How does this compare to EU-wide regulations?

While the EU has some harmonized drug policies, member states retain significant authority over scheduling decisions for specific substances. This Greek regulation represents a national approach to emerging cannabinoids that may or may not be mirrored by other EU countries in the future.

What prompted this regulatory action now?

While the document doesn’t explicitly state the timing rationale, it likely reflects growing awareness of these potent compounds entering markets globally, combined with Greece’s evolving cannabis policy as both its medical program and tourism industry develop.