Interviews
Adonis Georgiadis: “The only discussion is about pharmaceutical use. There is no domino effect in Greece”
We met Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Health of Greece, in London, at Cannabis Europe, one of the oldest cannabis conferences organized by Prohibition Partners, where he participated in a panel especially dedicated to the situation of medicinal cannabis in Greece. Greek politician, author, editor and former telemarketer, Georgiadis is often described as being on the far right of the political spectrum. We spoke to him to better understand the cannabis situation in Greece.
I would start by asking you what the current situation is like with medical cannabis in Greece?
Medicinal cannabis was legislated and legalized and the first products began to be distributed in February, with 2.000 registered patients.
How many products are there in the pharmacy?
We currently have four products, but we are in the process of licensing four more.
And what are these products?
There are different types of flowers, oils, ointments…
Is Greece already producing cannabis?
Yes, yes, all products are being produced in Greece.
How many companies have to produce?
We currently have a first factory operating and distributing and the other three are almost ready. Therefore, by 2025, we will have four.
For cultivation or transformation?
Cultivation and transformation. According to our law, we have to produce the flower and the final product in the same facilities.
But while they don't have all this production, are they importing from other countries?
No. We ban imports, firstly to protect our internal market for a while. Not forever, but for a while. We are using the Canadian model.
He said that, at the moment, they have around 2.000 registered patients. Do you expect this number to increase in the near future?
Doctors predict a big increase, because from what I know, many patients who received cannabis for the first time got results. So I think it will increase, but I'm not a doctor. This will be a decision for the medical community.
How many doctors are currently prescribing cannabis in Greece?
500.
Does the government provide any training to doctors?
Yes, through our National Medicines Agency we provide them with some training.
And at universities, for medical students?
Not yet. I think it will start, but not yet.
What about legalizing cannabis for adult or recreational use?
We're not there yet. We're not thinking about that yet.
Do you have any idea when this discussion will start in Greece?
No no. It's not in our public dialogue. The only discussion is about pharmaceutical use.
With legalization in Germany, there is talk of a domino effect in Europe…
So far, there is no domino effect in Greece. We are using [cannabis] as a pharmaceutical product.
I know that in Greece patients demand improvements and sometimes criticize the laws implemented. What, in your opinion, are the biggest challenges in helping patients?
We have great cooperation with our patient community. As we also mentioned at the conference, we are talking to them a lot and we are here to help. It's a new beginning and we will find our way.
How many cannabis patient associations are there in Greece?
If I remember correctly, four.
And how do you see the use of medicinal cannabis by these patients? Are you helping many people? Did you have any close contact with patients?
Many patients send me messages via email stating that they are very satisfied with the use of medicinal cannabis. They felt great pain relief and many people with epilepsy show a great improvement in their quality of life.
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[Disclaimer: Please note that this text was originally written in Portuguese and is translated into English and other languages using an automatic translator. Some words may differ from the original and typos or errors may occur in other languages.]____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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With a degree in Journalism from the University of Coimbra, Laura Ramos has a postgraduate degree in Photography and has been a Journalist since 1998. Winner of the Business of Cannabis Awards in the category "Journalist of the Year 2024", Laura was a correspondent for Jornal de Notícias in Rome, Italy, and Press Officer in the Office of the Minister of Education of the 21st Portuguese Government. She has an international certification in Permaculture (PDC) and created the street-art photography archive “Say What? Lisbon” @saywhatlisbon. Co-founder and Editor of CannaReporter® and coordinator of PTMC - Portugal Medical Cannabis, Laura directed the documentary “Pacientes” and was part of the steering group of the first Postgraduate Course in GxP's for Medicinal Cannabis in Portugal, in partnership with the Military Laboratory and the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon.
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