Vending

Greek government clamps down on cannabis vending

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May 20, 2026

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The government of Greece is moving to tighten regulation of cannabis-related products by banning their sale at kiosks, mini markets and vending machines amid growing concerns about youth access and weak oversight of the market, according to a Tovima.com report.

Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said the restrictions could take effect as early as next week, adding that additional legislative measures will soon be submitted to Parliament as part of a broader crackdown on what he described as an "uncontrolled market."

The action follows parliamentary approval of a broader healthcare bill that includes new rules aimed at strengthening oversight of cannabis-derived products. Under the legislation, cannabis-related items will no longer be permitted for sale through convenience retail outlets or vending machines. The law also creates a digital registry within the health ministry to monitor cannabis products and improve supply-chain traceability.

Government officials said the intervention comes after several incidents involving minors consuming cannabis-derived gummies and vaping oils over the past year. Public health officials and school authorities have raised concerns about the increasing availability of hemp-derived and cannabis-adjacent products in convenience retail locations, along with inconsistent enforcement of existing regulations.