First International Cannabis Expo 2018 Opens in Greece

The first International Cannabis Expo 2018 has opened at the Tay Kwon Do Stadium in Athens, Greece. Visitors are invited to explore the latest advancements in the medical and industrial use of cannabis. According to reports, more than 100 producers of industrial and medical cannabis operate both in Greece and abroad.

The opening ceremony of Cannabis Expo 2018 was attended by several officials, including Deputy Minister of Rural Development Yiannis Tsironis and General Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Development Efstratios Zafiris. The officials spoke with producers and visitors, who, according to Mr. Tsironis, “for many years were forced to import medications to treat serious illnesses such as cancer, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, but now have the opportunity to access medicines produced in Greece.”

Mr. Tsironis emphasized that, in the opinion of international technical companies involved in the production of medicinal cannabis, “Greece has the ideal climate,” and stated that “it is time to take advantage of these benefits.” Regarding the adoption of amendments to the law on the use of pharmaceutical cannabis, Mr. Tsironis said that this is “expected within the next few weeks.”

Mr. Zafiris, for his part, spoke about “a plant with enormous potential,” clarifying that “22,500 different products can be made from industrial cannabis.” He also noted that “the legalization of pharmaceutical cannabis is the ‘first step,’ as other steps will follow to open the way for normal business activity, allowing the industry to grow within a legal framework.”

Eleni Bellou, a representative of the first international expo, highlighted that “at a time when the antidote to the crisis can only be innovation, cannabis paves the way for growth with great prospects for everyone working with it, as well as for the Greek economy as a whole.” She also added that “it is time to end the moral panic surrounding cannabis.”

Ms. Bellou stated that “cannabis is the most ‘unjustly maligned’ plant in the world” and added that thanks to the unity of many people and recent political will, industrial and medical cannabis has now achieved “legal” status. According to her, this is “a major victory for patients who can now access treatment” and “an excellent opportunity for forward-thinking entrepreneurs.”

The expo also featured a speech by KIDISO president and former Prime Minister George Papandreou. In his remarks, he strongly supported the legalization of medical cannabis: “The review of the situation around drugs has lasted for many decades. The example of legalizing medical cannabis is now especially important.”

According to Papandreou, this step was necessary: “To remove the taboo from its use. Previously, we had an illegal product, without certification, and enormous efforts by police, port authorities, the prison system, and other institutions. All of this was too costly. Now there is an opportunity to eliminate all of this and finally resolve the issue through legalization, certification, and the legal cultivation and distribution of medical cannabis for those who need it. Farmers will have the opportunity to grow it legally, which is very beneficial for the economy and Greece’s position in the international pharmaceutical market.”

He added, “With this step, we support the initiative taken in this direction both in our country and internationally, within the framework of the Global Commission on Drug Policy (GCDP). Attitudes toward medical cannabis, as well as the issue of decriminalizing its use, are changing worldwide, and Greece should not be ‘left behind.’”

“I hope,” the former Prime Minister stated, “that these efforts will lead to a change in attitudes toward other categories of drugs, such as opiates. Our goal is to combat criminal activities related to the use and distribution of drugs and the illegal turnover of billions of dollars. We need to support patients who need treatment, instead of ‘punishing’ them. Truly progressive changes in drug legislation will help sharply reduce economic and social costs, and humane policies will help those who need our support.”

Highlights from Cannabis Expo 2018

• Visitors at Cannabis Expo 2018 try CBD oil.
• Attendees sample popular cannabis strains.
• Bongs are demonstrated to visitors.
• Products made from Greek-grown cannabis are offered to guests.
• A wide variety of items made from cannabis are available at the expo.