Greece set to allow medical cannabis use

Over a dozen EU countries have authorised the use of cannabis for medical purposes
Over a dozen EU countries have authorised the use of cannabis for medical purposes

Greece's parliament is expected to approve the medical use of cannabis in the coming weeks, a deputy minister said Sunday, adding that the change would attract investment to the country.

"In a few weeks' time, an amendment will be brought to parliament to define the legislative framework for the cultivation and manufacturing of based on , which will open the way for Greek and foreign investments," deputy agricultural development minister Yannis Tsironis told AFP.

Tsironis said the legalisation of medical cannabis could attract investments of 1.5 to 2 billion euros ( $1.8 t0 2.4 billion), with Greek, Israeli and Canadian companies already expressing interest.

The deputy minister, along with other , attended Greece's first medical cannabis trade fair this weekend.

Over 100 local and foreign businesses took part in the event, which was held near Athens.

The government last year authorised the import of several pharmaceutical products based on , as well as hemp cultivation for industrial purposes.

Hemp can be used to make construction materials, paper, textiles and food.

Over a dozen EU countries have authorised the use of medical cannabis.

© 2018 AFP

Citation: Greece set to allow medical cannabis use (2018, January 14) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-01-greece-medical-cannabis.html
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