Blazin' in Ioannina, Greece - My Story

Yo, what's good? Today, I’m gonna spill the tea on my trip to the wild streets of Ioannina, Greece. Spoiler alert — if you’re lookin' for that fire weed, it ain't as easy as rollin' up to a spot like in Amsterdam. But trust, you can still catch a vibe. Here's how I got down with the herb in Ioannina.

Got back home from Ioannina just 2 days ago, so writing this post with fresh memory smoking a small joint of white widow strain. Had an amazing stay in Ioannina that would never be so cool without sex, drugs and rock’n’roll smelly ganja buds.

Local Attitudes Toward Cannabis in Ioannina

Just because cannabis is strictly regulated in Ioannina doesn’t mean the locals are strongly opposed to it. In fact, most people in Ioannina don’t seem to care too much about marijuana use. Of course, it’s wise to follow some basic rules, like not smoking in public. But even if someone notices you, it’s unlikely they’ll see it as a big deal.

On my first night in Ioannina, Steve invited me to a small gathering at his place — just a few friends, some beer, weed, and a PlayStation 5. It was exactly my kind of evening! I was fortunate to have met Steve, who became my go-to person for cannabis during my stay in Ioannina. He assured me that as long as you’re respectful and avoid drawing attention, the locals are generally okay with cannabis use. But again, it’s best not to carry more than 10 grams on you.

Cannabis Laws in Greece: What You Need to Know

First things first, it’s important to understand that high-THC cannabis is illegal in Ioannina. Unlike in Amsterdam, you won’t find any coffee shops selling potent marijuana strains. While medical cannabis is available, it’s typically low in THC and won’t give you the high you might be looking for.

During my stay, I met a local named Steve in the hotel bar. He’s lived in Ioannina for a while and knows a lot about the cannabis scene. According to him, while the official regulations are strict, enforcement isn’t always so rigid in practice.

What if I get caught with weed in Ioannina?

In practice, as Steve said - if you are 18+ and carry less than 20 grams of weed or 10 grams of hash and do not smoke in public - you should not expect any arrest. As a maximum, cops will confiscate your stuff after they ensure you are not a dealer who delivers stuff.

There are some stories about occasional cops forcing people to give them a bribe after catching someone with weed, but such cases are rare. Usually cops do not touch foreign tourists who are spending their vacation or business trip in Ioannina and bring money to Greece.

Coppin' Weed in Ioannina: The New Wave

So here’s the scoop on how folks are gettin' their green in Ioannina. Steve gave me some info — big-time cannabis dealers are all about that darknet life, coppin' their supply from shady onion sites like DrChronic or Bitpharma. They flip it to locals and tourists alike. But if you’re just in Ioannina for a few days, tryin' to navigate the darknet and waitin' on cannabis shipments ain't it.

But if you are just visiting Ioannina for several days (or up to 2 weeks) and need some weed - dealing with wholesale darknet websites looks like not the best way to spend your time. This is the point where local dealers rush into this game. But if you think you can easily find street dealers with good stuff nowadays - do not hurry so much, the situation with weed in Ioannina has changed already.

Now dealers switched to another approach - you simply find their messenger contacts from someone who purchased weed in Ioannina already or on some forum comments, choose stuff from menu, discuss drop off area (this may be some hotel or approximate area), after you pay in crypto (yes, now this is #1 payment option for all “dark” payments) - and stuff gets delivered and dropped where you agree. Package with weed is usually masked, you get a photo and coordinates where to pick up your stuff. As a result - no official payments and no meetings in person (you choose just the approximate package drop area, not the exact place where you meet) - so both you and the dealer stay secure and anonymous. This was a little surprise for me, at home I simply buy directly from my trusted dealer via cache, but we have what we have. How happy I was that I met Steve so I do not need to go through all this 🙂

Cannabis in Ioannina: Frequently Asked Questions

Is high-THC weed illegal in Ioannina?

Yes, non-medical cannabis is regulated and restricted, but the police tend to be lenient with tourists carrying less than 10 grams.

What happens if you get caught with cannabis in Ioannina?

It depends on the situation. If the police suspect you’re a dealer, you could face serious consequences. However, tourists with small amounts of cannabis are generally left alone.

Can you still find cannabis the old-school way in Ioannina?

Yes, though it’s becoming less common. While many dealers have shifted to online sales, searching in parks or asking taxi drivers might still work.

Is top-shelf weed and hash a myth in Ioannina?

Nah, it’s out there, but you gotta know the right people. Quality varies, so do your homework.

How about hash? Can you find it in Ioannina?

Yep, plenty of dealers got both weed and hash. It’s not always on deck, but it’s out there.

What’s the price of weed and hash in Ioannina?

Prices swing depending on the plug and the quality. Top-tier bud can run you about €20 - €25 a gram, and hash could hit €30 - €35 a gram. The more you buy, the better the deal.

And that’s the lowdown on gettin' lifted in Ioannina. Stay safe, stay chill, and keep that stash tight.

Five random facts about cannabis

1. Cannabis Has Medicinal Benefits

Including being a natural analgesic. If you want to learn more, we have a full course on medical cannabis applications you can take!

2. Endocannabinoid System

The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that naturally interacts with cannabinoids from cannabis, playing a role in regulating mood, pain, and appetite.

3. Legalization

As of 2024, cannabis is fully legal for recreational use in several countries, including Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the United States.

4. Cannabis in the U.S.

Cannabis was classified as a Schedule I drug in the U.S. in 1970, making it illegal at the federal level despite its growing medical acceptance.

5. Different Strains

There are thousands of cannabis strains, each with unique combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in different effects and flavors.