Exploring EU-GMP certified cannabis production in one of Europe’s most promising Mediterranean export hubs?
The Athens Cannabis Expo returns for its 7th edition, positioning Greece at the heart of Europe’s rapidly evolving medical cannabis export market. Following Greece’s landmark first international cannabis exports in December 2024, this gathering offers cultivators and processors direct access to EU-GMP certified partners in one of the Mediterranean’s most promising production hubs.
With approximately 4,000 patients now accessing prescription cannabis through Greece’s electronic prescription system launched in February 2024, and the government doubling annual import limits from 6 to 11 tonnes, the domestic market has reached critical mass alongside growing export capabilities.
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Of the approximately 140 companies that have received installation approval, only 4 have progressed to operating status.
Whether you’re evaluating Greek cultivation partnerships for German market supply chains, comparing EU-GMP certification pathways, or exploring export logistics to Switzerland, UK, and broader EU markets, Athens Cannabis Expo brings together the producers, regulators, and technology vendors shaping Mediterranean cannabis operations.
Athens Cannabis Expo 2026 at a Glance 🇬🇷
Dates
March 28-29, 2026
Location
Zappeion Megaron, Athens, Greece
Exhibition Space
7,000+ sqm with 100+ exhibitors
Official Website
athenscannabisexpo.com
Confirmed
Last verified: December 30, 2025
Athens
37.98°N 23.73°E
Who Should Attend Athens Cannabis Expo
Athens Cannabis Expo draws a diverse mix of industry stakeholders focused on the Greek and broader European cannabis markets seeking Mediterranean production partnerships.
Cultivators seeking Mediterranean production sites with GACP-compliant partnerships
Processors exploring EU-GMP certified facilities in Greece for extraction and formulation
Compliance professionals navigating Greece’s EOF licensing and export requirements
Investors evaluating Greece’s projected EUR 2 billion cannabis industry by 2028
Equipment vendors supplying greenhouse systems and seed-to-sale tracking solutions
Regulatory consultants advising on EOF marketing authorizations and export compliance
Why Athens Cannabis Expo Matters in 2026
Greece’s cannabis sector transformed from licensing-stage potential to active international exports in late 2024. Tikun Olam Europe completed Greece’s first medical cannabis export to Switzerland in December 2024, followed by expanded shipments to the UK and Germany by May 2025. This milestone validates Greece’s positioning as a viable EU-GMP export hub after years of regulatory development.
This edition arrives in a post-first-export environment where theoretical market potential has converted to operational reality. With Curity Pharma receiving its operating license in March 2025 and expecting its first harvest by June 2025, multiple EU-GMP facilities will be actively producing by expo time.
A 1-hectare greenhouse operation in Greece can generate EUR 7.07 million annual net profit in stabilized years, with first-year profit estimated at EUR 3.5 million.
Economou & Economou Law Economic StudiesPlanning Your Athens Cannabis Expo Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
Accommodation
- Book hotels 6-8 weeks in advance for optimal rates near the venue
- Hotels in Plaka, Syntagma, or Kolonaki districts provide convenient access
- Syntagma metro station (Lines 2 and 3) is a short walk from Zappeion
- Late March brings spring season tourist traffic to Athens
Schedule Overview
- Day 1 (March 28): Exhibition and conference sessions 10:00-18:00
- Day 2 (March 29): Exhibition and conference sessions 10:00-18:00
- 20+ speakers across both days
- Registration not yet open – monitor official website for announcements
Getting There
- Athens International Airport (ATH) with direct EU connections
- Metro Line 3 runs direct from airport to Syntagma (40 minutes)
- EU/Schengen visitors need valid passport or ID card
- Download Uber or Beat (local app) for reliable taxi alternatives
If You’re Exhibiting
- Submit booth applications early; premium positions fill first
- Plan for 7,000+ sqm venue scale when designing display materials
- Prepare multilingual materials (Greek and English essential)
- No live plants or consumable samples permitted at most Greek events
Greek Cannabis Regulatory Framework
Key Regulatory Topics at Athens Cannabis Expo
- Two-Stage Licensing System: EOF administers installation licenses (5-year validity, EUR 15,000 fee) and operation licenses (10-year validity, renewable)
- EU-GMP Certification Mandate: All processing facilities must achieve EU-GMP certification before receiving operation licenses
- Export Framework (Law 4801/2021): Dried flower products can ship in packaging up to 30 grams, subject to importing country regulations
- Security Compliance: Greek Police verify security measures including background checks, perimeter protection, and minimum 4-acre cultivation areas
Greece operates under a well-defined regulatory structure established through Laws 4139/2013, 4523/2018, and 4801/2021. The 2021 law eliminated the state monopoly on final product sales and enabled direct exports to European markets.
Related: Understanding EU-GMP Requirements for Cannabis Operations🌿 Greece as EU Cannabis Export Hub
Greece has emerged as a compelling option for producers seeking EU market access through cost-effective, climate-advantaged cultivation. Here are the key factors driving investor interest in Greek cannabis operations.
Key Facts for Athens Expo Attendees
- ✓ Mediterranean Climate: 300+ days of sunshine annually reduces energy costs for greenhouse operations compared to Northern European facilities
- ✓ First Exports Achieved: December 2024 marked Greece’s entry into international cannabis trade with shipments to Switzerland, UK, and Germany
- ✓ EU-GMP Infrastructure: Multiple facilities now hold or are pursuing EU-GMP certification enabling German pharmacy market access
- ✓ 10-Year License Stability: Operation licenses provide decade-long operational certainty for partnership planning
- ✓ Labor Cost Advantage: Greek agricultural wages remain below Western European averages while maintaining EU quality standards
- ✓ Government Support: Recovery and Resilience Facility funding and development grants reduce facility investment costs
Did You Know?
The Greek government projects EUR 360 million in total cannabis industry investment and 2,250 new jobs. First-year production revenue for early movers is estimated at EUR 60 million, with the industry projected to contribute EUR 1.2 billion+ over a decade.
Implications for Attendees
Evaluate cultivation partnerships during the expo for German market supply chains. Compare Greek facility costs against Dutch, Portuguese, and Danish alternatives. Understand EOF licensing timeline before committing to partnership agreements – with Greece’s 10-year renewable operating licenses, decisions made at this expo carry decade-long implications.
Disclaimer: Regulatory requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with EOF and qualified Greek legal counsel before making investment decisions.
Operational Challenges Facing Greek Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses exploring Greek market entry encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and local expertise. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Licensing Timeline Delays
Only 4 of approximately 140 approved facilities have reached operating status, highlighting the gap between installation approval and actual production capability
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EU-GMP Certification Requirements
Processing facilities must achieve EU-GMP certification before receiving operation licenses, requiring comprehensive documentation systems and facility upgrades
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Annual Documentation Updates
All supporting documents must be updated and submitted yearly, with minimum one inspection per year and 30-day deadlines to remedy non-compliance
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Export Market Authorization
EOF marketing authorization does not transfer to export markets – each destination requires separate compliance verification and documentation
What to Prepare Before Athens Cannabis Expo
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
Documents to Bring
- Business cards in sufficient quantity (500+ recommended)
- Company presentation (5-10 slides covering production capabilities)
- Letter of intent template for partnership discussions
- Production volume capacity documentation
- Current certifications (EU-GMP, GACP, ISO) with validity dates
- Export/import license status summary for your jurisdiction
Questions to Ask Partners
- What is your current EOF licensing status (installation vs. operation)?
- Do you hold EU-GMP certification, and when was your last inspection?
- What is your annual production capacity in kilograms of dried flower?
- Have you completed international exports? To which markets?
- What THC/CBD strain varieties do you cultivate?
- What is your typical timeline from order to delivery for exports?
What to Compare
- Per-kilogram production costs (labor, energy, compliance overhead)
- EU-GMP certification status and inspection history
- Export experience and logistics capabilities
- Strain availability and cannabinoid profile consistency
- Minimum order quantities and payment terms
- Language capabilities of management and compliance teams
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend Athens Cannabis Expo 2026.
Is Athens Cannabis Expo B2B only or open to consumers?
Athens Cannabis Expo welcomes both B2B professionals and B2C consumers. Industry attendees can network with potential partners and suppliers, while the public can explore CBD products, seeds, cosmetics, and vaporizers across the 7,000+ sqm exhibition space.
Can international attendees participate?
Yes, the expo actively welcomes international participants. Greece’s focus on export markets makes international partnerships a core theme. Expect exhibitors and attendees from across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Is there a cannabis consumption area at the expo?
No. Greek law prohibits cannabis consumption at public events. While CBD products below 0.2% THC are legal and can be displayed, consumption demonstrations are not permitted. Medical cannabis remains prescription-only.
What languages are presentations and materials in?
The expo operates primarily in Greek and English. Major presentations include English options, and most exhibitors prepare bilingual materials. Consider bringing a Greek-speaking team member for detailed technical discussions.
When does registration open for 2026?
Registration was not yet active as of December 2025. Monitor the official website (athenscannabisexpo.com) for announcements, typically 3-4 months before the event date.
Is the Zappeion Megaron venue accessible?
The Zappeion Megaron provides accessibility accommodations consistent with Greek building standards. Contact organizers directly for specific accessibility requirements or assistance arrangements.
Software Solutions for European Compliance
Cannabis operations expanding into Greek and European markets increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of generating EU-GMP compliant documentation and managing multi-jurisdiction regulatory reporting. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities.
Attendees at Athens Cannabis Expo often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to Greek EOF documentation requirements while maintaining consistent operational workflows across multiple facilities and jurisdictions.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Greece and Europe use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability and EU-GMP regulatory reporting.
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.